RONALD FLETCHER BAKER - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Commercial Property
Adam is a Partner, and the Head of the Family Law Department, based in the firm's City Office.
Adam has been recognised as a ‘Recommended Lawyer' in the Legal 500. He has a busy and extensive family law practice reaching right across the spectrum of divorce, financial claims, civil partnership disputes, non-marital disputes and disputes relating to children to both married and unmarried parents. In addition, he advises on and drafts cohabitation, separation and nuptial agreements, both pre and post marriage.
Much of his work includes an international element and he frequently advises on the correct choice of jurisdiction as well as on the removal of children from the jurisdiction as well as child abduction cases.
Adam has acted for parents and grandparents in respect of children to include straightforward Child Arrangements Orders, to Prohibited Steps Applications and Specific issues, such as schooling and relocation including Leave to Remove and Schedule 1 Applications.
Adam's clients have included renowned musicians, film directors and TV personalities and his client base extends internationally, receiving instructions from nationals of Australia, the USA, Canada, South Africa, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Iran, UAE, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Russia.
He holds a keen interest in nuptial agreements and the ongoing development of the governance of such agreements within UK courts upon divorce.
Adam understands the sensitive nature of family matters and advises on extremely delicate matters such as domestic violence, whether it be physical, mental and/or emotional abuse, and injunctions, specifically Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders.
Expertise
Testimonials
Adam has been hailed as ‘a brilliant solicitor who helped me a lot during my case. Highly recommended!'
Afsheen is a Partner and heads our Manchester office and manages a large team specialising in Real Estate. She initially joined our London, West End office before returning to the North-West and opening our Manchester branch in June 2016.
Afsheen is a Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer and is experienced in acting for first time buyers and investors, as well as the more experienced investors, asset managers and portfolio landlords. She has many clients who are overseas investors and can advise on the sometimes complex nature of AML and ID requirements, to ensure regulatory compliance.
She can assist with a simple purchase of a vacant property or can help guide clients wishing to acquire a site and re-develop it. This can include converting an existing house into an HMO or flats, changing the use of a commercial building or developing new properties on vacant land. She can advise on the structure of the legal title and prepare leases for new build developments, acting for clients as purchasers initially and then as a seller, thereafter. In addition, Afsheen can advise on option agreements, whether entering into one directly with a landowner or dealing with an assignment of an option agreement.
Afsheen has worked on many large scale new build developments; more recently having acted for over 100 buyers of off-plan plots in a North-West development. She is able to manage the expectations of buyers, agents and developers to ensure timescales are met, which makes the conveyancing process seamless for all involved.
Afsheen also specialises in Real Estate Finance and understands the complex nature of Bridging Loans and Shariah Finance. She has experience in acting for both mainstream and bridging lenders as well as borrowers; with this insight, she is able to help navigate borrowers when dealing with a lender's extensive requirements.
Expertise
Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor / Residential Property
Ardra joined Ronald Fletcher Baker Solicitors around September 2022. She pursued her LLB Hons from Hertfordshire University before moving on to Legal Practitioners Course (LPC) from University of Law, with special focus on Private Client and Family law. Ardra has also completed her Masters in Law from University of Law with a distinction. She has worked on numerous cases and has excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. She has work experience from India, Dubai and London which has aided her in building a positive relationship with clients and colleagues.
Asra is a Paralegal in the Family and Immigration department. She has the extensive experience and knowledge in dealing with all aspects of immigration; including that of private and corporate. She also assists fee earners in the family team through building positive and trustworthy rapports with clients. She does this by helping them with their divorce, financial or children matters from start to completion.
In 2020, Asra graduated from Brunel University with an LLB Law degree. The following year, she completed her LPC and Masters in Law at the University of Law.
Asra is fluent in Arabic.
Outside of the professions of her work - Asra remains steadfast to her hobbies which include baking, travelling and spending quality time with family and friends.
"Benjamin Frost has an astute attention to detail and works hard to provide us with the best possible outcome."
Ben Frost is a Partner and accredited Mediator in the firm's commercial and property litigation team. The Legal 500 has recognised the team as being "technically brilliant. I feel that I have the full force of the team when they act for me. Very few firms bring such a collaborative approach, where you feel that they are an extension of your own team. They understand that I need to make commercial decisions, and they have that at the forefront of everything they do". Ben has also been individually recognised by The Legal 500 as a Recommended Lawyer.
Ben has experience in a wide variety of disputes including work in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court, emergency High Court injunctions, Property Tribunals, and County Court.
Ben's specialisms in property litigation include dealing with commercial and residential lease extensions, leasehold enfranchisement, landlord and tenant disputes, possession proceedings, boundary disputes, adverse possession, forfeiture, and construction adjudication.
In commercial litigation, Ben specifically deals with debt recovery/insolvency in relation to winding-up petitions and bankruptcy petitions. He also deals more widely with company/partnership disputes, contract disputes, misrepresentation, and unfair prejudice petitions.
In his role as mediator, Ben can be instructed to attempt to settle disputes at a confidential mediation which has the benefit of saving time, costs, emotional distress, and reputation. This is an emerging alternative dispute resolution method and should be considered at the earliest stage possible in any dispute.
Outside of work, Ben is a keen sportsman, taking part in football and running. Ben has run the London marathon for charity in the past.
Expertise
Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Associate Solicitor / Commercial Property
Beth handles all aspects of family law including divorce petitions, finances and contested children proceedings. Beth is a passionate and caring solicitor-advocate who understands that family law is more than just business. She navigates her clients through what can be the most distressing and emotional times of their lives with empathy, sensitivity and insight, strategizing with clients to achieve the best outcome specific to their circumstances. Beth quickly gets to grips with complex cases and argues cases convincingly and with thorough attention to detail.
Beth is a down-to-earth, straight talking professional. She is committed to each and every client, ensuring that they feel supported and heard at every step of the way. She has extensive knowledge and expertise in all matrimonial matters, in particular, cross-border cases and cases with an international element.
Beth graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Oriental Studies and was a university lecturer before retraining as a family solicitor.
Expertise
Beth is adept in all financial matters, advising individuals of all backgrounds and means, from modest assets through to high net worth individuals.
She also skilfully guides her clients in all private law children disputes, from applications to determine with whom a child should live and spend time with, to more complex cases involving allegations of domestic abuse, financial abuse and cases involving implacable hostility.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor / Residential Property
Billy is a Solicitor in the Property and Commercial Litigation department and practices at the London West End office.
Prior to entering law, Billy studied English Literature and Drama, and then worked in the technology industry. He went on to study the GDL and LPC, before being admitted as a solicitor in 2022. He trained at a firm specialising in Property Litigation whilst also acting on a large Public Inquiry.
He has acted in and advised on a variety of matters including commercial and residential property matters, commercial disputes, disputes with media companies and contentious probate litigation.
In his spare time, Billy practices jujutsu and karate. He is also a keen gardener and cyclist.
Expertise
Testimonials
Experience in both successfully bringing and defending possession proceedings
Claudie is based at the firm's West End office.
Claudie assists with solicitors' administrative work on files from opening to post-completion. She also deals with any application relating to Lenders' panel of solicitors, drafting applications to Lexcel and CQS.
Expertise
Residential Property
Commercial Property
Job Titles:
- Paralegal / Residential Property
Job Titles:
- Member of the Property Litigation Association
- Senior Litigation Partner
David Burns is a Partner specialising in property and commercial litigation from the firm's West End office in Baker Street, London. He is listed in the Legal 500 as a Next Generation Partner. David is described as 'a charming yet aggressive litigator' and as an individual who ‘has great technical knowledge but wears it very lightly so that the client feels they are just having a friendly chat but in fact are being expertly navigated through complex and dangerous waters'.
David has extensive court experience in the High Court, County Court, and Property tribunals both at trial and in relation to interim applications.
David regularly provides advice on the full range of landlord and tenant issues including lease renewals, forfeiture actions, rent recovery, break notices, and dilapidations claims as well as real property issues such as rights of way, restrictive covenants, adverse possession, and ownership disputes.
David heads up the firm's contentious leasehold enfranchisement department at Ronald Fletcher Baker and is described in the Legal 500 as ‘a go-to for advice on enfranchisement and residential lease extensions'.
David regularly advises developers and portfolio owners on strategies for achieving vacant possession ahead of redevelopment. David has an in-depth understanding of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 and advises strategically on tenants' rights of first refusal.
David is often instructed in a wide spectrum of commercial disputes including shareholders and company/partnership disputes, and contractual disputes, and he is experienced in litigating against financial institutions and banks in relation to the closure or restriction of bank accounts.
David is a member of the Property Litigation Association and a member of the Association of Lease Extension Practitioners. He is also a member of the London Irish Lawyers Association.
Outside of work David is a fitness enthusiast. David is also the Nogi British Open Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion of 2022.
Expertise
Testimonials
David Burns has great technical knowledge but wears it very lightly so that the client feels they are just having a friendly chat but in fact are being expertly navigated through complex and dangerous waters.‘
‘David Burns comes into his own in matters where there are allegations of fraud, and has an in-depth knowledge of joint venture disputes - he fights hard for his clients.‘
David Burns is flexible to clients' needs.
Job Titles:
- Partner / Commercial Property
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Society of Trust
Devorah specialises in Private Client matters at the firm's London offices. She has extensive experience in providing practical estate planning advice to a wide variety of clients both in the UK and abroad including high net worth individuals, entrepreneurs and trustees. Working together with their own accountants and financial advisers where appropriate, she can support clients in structuring their affairs to enable wealth to be passed on tax efficiently to future generations. This may include the creation of trusts or family investment companies and making use of deeds of variation in post-death tax planning.
She assists clients in the preparation of wills, lasting powers of attorney and declarations of trust, the administration of estates including those with cross-border issues and in making applications to the Court of Protection.
Devorah often acts for clients during difficult times in their lives. She will always act sensitively and sympathetically and takes extra care when acting for elderly and vulnerable clients. She has been appointed to act as a professional attorney for clients who do not have family or friends able to help them manage their property and financial affairs.
She has a particular interest in disputes arising in trusts and estates and has successfully completed the association education course of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists. She has also acted on disputed Court of Protection applications.
Devorah is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, the international professional body for advisers specialising in inheritance and succession planning. She is also a full accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly and a member of the Court of Protection Practitioners Association.
Expertise
Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor / Residential Property
Ebru is dedicated in Conveyancing and has experience in a wide range of transactions, from re-mortgages, sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold transactions and Buy to Let company transactions.
She enjoys working with clients in a professional manner to make the transaction as clear and smooth as possible by providing regular updates on the case progression. She is determined and highly motivated to achieve the best results for her clients.
Job Titles:
- Employment Law Caseworker / Employment
Elena is a paralegal in the Employment department based at the City Office.
Prior to joining the firm, Elena completed her bar exams as a Middle Temple Astbury Scholar, and has been called to the bar (Middle Temple, 2022). She also holds a Law degree from the University of Oxford.
Elena assists the Employment department with all issues relating to employment law, from initial client enquiries and case management to resolution. She has successfully made applications to the court in her own right, having represented clients in the Employment Tribunal, County Court and High Court.
Elena assisted the Private Client department by successfully applying for rectification of a will 2.5 years out of time in the High Court, and assisted the Family department by successfully applying for a final third-party debt order in the County Court. Elena also assists the Immigration department with case management.
Elena is a member of the Industrial Law Society.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal / Residential Property
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor / Residential Property
Job Titles:
- Partner / Commercial Property
Faiza Raqeeb is a newly qualified Solicitor working at the firm's Baker Street office.
She is part of the Litigation Team, recognised by the Legal 500 as being a "technically minded, very responsive and strategic team".
Faiza joined the firm in 2019 working as a paralegal and studied the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law before commencing her training contract in 2021.
Faiza has gained extensive experience in a wide range of commercial and property litigation matters. Faiza works on a wide range of commercial matters, these include a variety of disputes including high-value commercial contract disputes, debt recovery, business and partnership disputes, and injunctions. Faiza also works on matters concerning breach of director's duties, petitions for unfair prejudice, and equitable winding up.
Faiza's specialisms in property litigation include dealing with various landlord and tenant matters including highly contested lease renewal proceedings under the 1954 Act and construction matters.
Outside of work, Faiza hosts and leads her own Radio show in the local community, specifically raising awareness on matters impacting ethnic minority communities and young women, and she is involved in various charity work.
Faiza is also fluent in Urdu and Pahari.
Experience
Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Residential Property
Gamze has experience in residential and commercial property transactions covering matters such as sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold matters, new-build properties, Right to Buy, Auction Purchases, Shared Ownership, Bridging Loans, grant of new commercial leases as well as assignment of existing commercial leases, and Informal Lease extensions.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Associate Solicitor / Residential Property
Harry is a solicitor within the property team who acts on a range of residential property transactions from the Exeter office.
Since qualifying in September 2020, Harry has dealt with a broad base of transactions from freehold and leasehold sales and purchases to re-mortgages, unregistered land, shared ownership properties and transfers of part.
Harry read Law at the University of Liverpool before returning to Exeter and obtaining his LPC with masters from the University of Law.
Expertise
Testimonials
Harry has experience in dealing with a variety of residential properties ranging from £50,000 - £2,000,000.
Having trained and qualified in Exeter, Harry also has the benefit of exposure to more unique unregistered properties and can assist with first registrations, including where title deeds have been lost.
He has also acted on acquisitions of new build properties, shared ownership properties and has experience of dealing with transfers of part and the creation of new titles.
Since joining RFB, Harry's experience in dealing with leasehold properties in large cities such as London has been further expanded.
Harry prides himself on his communication skills and has been commended by clients, agents and colleagues for his efficient, open and honest service.
"Harry Coombe and Peter Smith were assigned to me and were extremely professional, friendly, and helpful throughout the entire process. I was confident in their abilities to manage my case which was not straight forward. Harry and Peter worked hard to ensure I was always kept up to date and were happy to meet with me in person at short notice to go through the paper work with me. I have recommended RFB to a colleague due to the fantastic support that I received. Thank you!"
"All the work required was completed professionally and at short notice. Overall, I was most impressed by the services provided."
"Our house purchase was made to be smooth and efficient by Harry and Pete who were well-organised, timely and kept us informed and updated every step of the way. When our sellers presented a challenge they rose to it with aplom and should be trusted with soliciting any property transaction. There were no errors on paperwork or at all throughout the whole process. They both represented RFB with distinction and we couldn't recommend them highly enough."
"Both Harry and Bethany have been amazing throughout the purchase of our house. Communication has been fantastic!"
"Harry and Pete are like Kane and Son at Spurs. A+++ You wont be disappointed."
"We have received an outstanding service from Harold Coombe and Peter Smith. As I am mortgage broker myself and deal with many conveyancers daily, I am one of those hard to please people, however Harold and Peter went above and beyond I cannot recommend them highly enough. Appreciate your help."
"I dealt with Harry and Peter who were both brilliant! We ended up buying two houses and applied for three mortgages in the end, so as you can imagine lots of work for them to do between July and January and they were always great at getting back to us promptly. They helped me with any queries or problems and gave me great advice. They was so good towards the end, as we had a dead line for the 14th of January and even know we had Xmas and loads of bank holidays they got us into our house on time! I had a really bad Experience with the solicitors, when we purchased our previous 2 houses! so really didn't have any confidence in solicitors! especially them being so far away and not being able just to pop into see them! Everything was done over the phone and online! Which I am really not an expert with but they made it easy!"
"I would highly recommend Harry (Harold) Coombe and Lucy Bradley for their highest professional standard and patience through out the process of my purchase of my new house. They kept me updated through out the process. They gave me a hope as my purchase was seems like not going to happen as the other side was not responding but they keep chasing them. I would like to thank you both of them for their excellent service and I am really very pleased with their service, I will definitely use Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP again in future for any sale or purchase transaction. Thanks again for the good work."
Job Titles:
- Paralegal / Commercial Property
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Residential Property
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Commercial Property
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Commercial Property
Jason obtained his LLB law degree at the University of Nottingham in 2017. After finishing his Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in 2018, he trained at a boutique law firm in London and qualified a a Solicitor in 2020. Jason joined Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP as a Solicitor in 2022.
Jason is trilingual who can speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese. He has extensive experience in working with international clients who are seeking to increase their overseas portfolio. Also, he deals with all aspects of Property work including residential and commercial transactions.
Expertise
Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor at the Firms Baker Street
Jessica is a Solicitor at the firms Baker Street office, having qualified as a solicitor in June 2022. She has recently joined the Litigation Team at RFB, specialising in commercial property litigation matters.
Her previous experience has included assisting on matters involving minority shareholding disputes, professional negligence, contentious probate, as well as debt recovery for some of the largest banks in the UAE.
Jessica graduated from the University of Law in Leeds with an Upper Second-Class Honours in 2018 and then went on to complete her LPC and Masters, obtaining a Distinction in both in 2019.
Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys travelling, cooking and spending time with her friends and family.
Expertise
Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Expert
- Senior Partner / Commercial Property
'John O'Callaghan has a calm and reassuring presence. John's knowledge, gained over decades, is a real benefit for his clients.'
John qualified as a solicitor in 1983 and has been a partner in the firm since 1990. John has a broad base of experience in the law with many longstanding client connections, and is a Recommended Lawyer in the 2019 Legal 500, singled out as 'a real expert in the field who knows his game'.
He now specialises in property transactions and heads the Real Estate Department, which is building up connections in the retail, hotel, and leisure sectors. Praise from the Legal 500 in previous years has included ‘a poised and rational presence in the most difficult of situations, as having "excellent communication skills", and being ‘very solid in his knowledge, and objective in his advice' with 'in-depth knowledge. The 2020 edition describes him as 'a calm presence who knows how to mobilise large teams on high-value hotel transactions', 'a calming influence and can coordinate large teams on the more complex matters', and 'very approachable with an in depth understanding of the market'.
He acts for clients in connection with commercial and investment property, property development, and financing as well as high value residential property and complex leasehold transactions. John is also the appointed person for the Conveyancing Quality Scheme, to which the firm was one of the first in London to be admitted.
John has been instrumental in securing significant panel accreditations. He also remains the lead contact for the firm's bank work.
Expertise
Testimonials
Jonathan Chan provides a friendly and accessible service and is keen to support clients with timely advice.
He brings a warm and courteous approach to liaising with clients and Counsel and couples it with an astute eye for detail, which is so essential as a litigator.
Jonathan Chan is a Partner in the firm's commercial litigation and property litigation team at the West End office. The Legal 500 has recognised the team as having a "unique dynamic" and "a well-integrated and exceptionally talented property litigation team". Jonathan has individually been recognised by The Legal 500 as a Recommended Lawyer.
Jonathan is experienced in a wide variety of disputes, often involving a cross border and multi-jurisdictional element, including work in the Court of Appeal, High Court, County Court, emergency High Court Injunctions and judicial reviews involving public law matters.
Regularly acting on behalf of both individuals and companies alike, Jonathan is often instructed in a wide spectrum of commercial disputes including high value debt recovery and enforcement, judicial reviews, shareholders and company/partnership disputes, contractual disputes, misrepresentation, unfair prejudice petitions and insolvency matters.
Jonathan is also sought after by developers and managing agents to advise on both residential and commercial property disputes including real property disputes, landlord and tenant disputes, vacant possession strategies involving ground (f) under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954.
Outside of work Jonathan is a fitness enthusiast and a keen sportsman who regularly cycles and trains in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Expertise
Testimonials
Katharine advises clients on Private Client issues including Wills, probate, lasting powers of attorney, tax and estate planning.
Having qualified in January 2022, Katharine is now working towards broadening her experience in contentious matters.
As a student, she read Classical Studies at Royal Holloway University before completing the GDL and LPC at the University of Law, Guildford.
Prior to joining the team at Ronald Fletcher Baker, Katharine completed her training at a small firm in South West London.
Katharine's interests outside of work include painting and drawing, running and practising Barrecore.
Expertise
Katharine has experience in dealing with the administration of estates, both simple and more complex. She advises clients through what can be a particularly daunting process and works to make the administration as smooth as possible. She seeks to provide her clients with informed and realistic expectations.
She also has experience in drafting Wills ranging from simple to those incorporating Trusts, Declarations of Trust and making Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Commercial Property
Laura is a Solicitor specialising in Real Estate and Secured Lending and is based in the firm's Manchester office.
Laura has experience in acting for a number of mainstream lenders and bridging lenders in relation to both residential and commercial transactions. She handles a range of property matters including purchases, re-finances, buy-to-let investments, auctions, bridging loans and development transactions.
Expertise
Bridging Finance
Residential Property
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor / Residential Property
Maha Mohammed is an Associate Solicitor in the Real Estate department.
She has been exposed to numerous residential and commercial transactions including purchases, sales and refinances as well as leasehold transactions.
She joined the firm in the Real Estate department and has gained experience acting for bridging lenders.
She is able to tailor her advice to both first time buyers and experienced commercial investors.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal / Commercial Property
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Buying and Selling Businesses
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Residential Property
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Solicitor
- Associate Solicitor / Education Law
Marissa Lawrence is an Associate Solicitor at the firm's Baker Street office. She is part of the Litigation Team, recognised by the Legal 500 as being a "technically minded, very responsive and strategic team".
Marissa is experienced in a wide variety of disputes in Property Litigation including lease extensions, possession proceedings, disputes concerning Rent Act tenants and disrepair, defects, and various other landlord and tenant disputes for both residential and commercial property. Her residential property experience also includes assisting in a large Right of First Refusal case with 62 participating leaseholders and dealing with urgent applications for suspension of warrants. Marissa was also involved in the successful possession action obtaining 56 possession orders against a number of tenants for a number of commercial landlords, and the subsequent enforcement action against the defendants.
Marissa has a particular specialism in Litigation relating to residential property, with a focus on possession proceedings, disrepair, and other residential landlord and tenant disputes. Recently, Marissa has been successful in the Central London County Court in a 4-day trial in obtaining a possession order and substantial arrears against an assured tenant claiming disrepair and invalid rent increases. Marissa was successful in having the entire defence and counterclaim dismissed, and was awarded possession, payment of the rent arrears along with her client's legal costs.
Marissa has also gained experience in Commercial Litigation, including the successful resolution of a number of commercial contract claims, misrepresentation, unfair prejudice petitions, copyright and trademark infringement, and debt recovery/insolvency.
Marissa was also part of the team that had success in the Court of Appeal when representing Bloomsbury Institute Limited, a higher education provider, in their judicial review of the Office for Students and their decision to refuse registration to Bloomsbury Institute. Marissa has since been involved in numerous other cases in the Higher Education sector.
Expertise
Testimonials
Mark is a qualified solicitor working in the Property department in Manchester predominantly dealing with residential conveyancing transactions including re-mortgages, transfers of equity, sale, purchases and bridging loan.
His clients range from first-time buyers, property investors and companies to overseas clients.
He can speak English and Cantonese.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal / Residential Property
Michael trained, qualified and worked in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners leading national employment law firms. He qualified as a Solicitor in 2009.
Michael has extensive experience in contentious and non-contentious matters, including drafting contracts of employment, contract reviews on behalf of employees prior to commencing new employment, advising and/or litigating in Employment Tribunals and Employment Appeal Tribunals.
He has a wealth of experience in a wide range of employment law areas including, constructive dismissal, unfair dismissal, redundancy (including protective award claims), changes to terms and conditions, breach of contract, discrimination (including sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, disability, age and religion and belief), harassment and victimisation, whistleblowing, TUPE, equal pay, holiday pay and working time issues, national minimum wage, employee status and trade union related issues (including interim relief, trade union detriment and dismissals) and settlement agreements. He is also very experienced in multi-party disputes.
He is experienced in carrying out Tribunal advocacy (Preliminary Hearings and Judicial Mediation).
Michael regularly delivers seminars and training sessions on a wide range of areas of employment law. He is a member of the Industrial Law Society.
Michael's wide range of experience has meant that he has represented clients in a number of industries, this has included the police, prison service, fire brigade, civil servants, headteachers, teachers, lecturers, banking, manufacturing, retail, transport, healthcare and media.
Expertise
Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Solicitor
Mohammed Abukar is a Senior Associate Solicitor and advises on Complex Immigration and Human Rights Cases, Corporate Immigration and Private Immigration.
He has a varied clientele which include private immigration clients and high net worth entrepreneurs and individuals.
Mohammed is highly experienced with applications for entry clearance or further leave to remain as a spouse, fiancé/e, unmarried partner, dependant relative and students. He regularly advises and assists with citizenship, nationality and all types of visas to the UK.
Mohammed began his career in 2016 and trained as a trainee solicitor in a highly regarded legal 500 law firm, with a focus on complex Asylum Claims, First-tier Tribunal Appeals, Upper-Tier Tribunal Appeals and Judicial Reviews in relation to violation of human rights and asylum law.
Over the years he has gained significant experience in acting for vulnerable clients including those in detention, those suffering from complex psychological issues and victims of torture and trafficking. He also retains recognition by the Law Society for holding an Advanced Immigration & Asylum Law Accreditation [IAAS] as a Senior Caseworker which means he has demonstrated the required level of competence and knowledge in immigration and asylum law as defined by the Law Society.
Expertise
Corporate Immigration [Skilled Worker Visa]
Sole Representative Visa
Start Up and Innovator Visa
Private Client Immigration
European Union Settlement Scheme [EUSS]
Complex Asylum and Appeals Immigration
Deportation and Revocation of Deportation
Judicial Review Applications
Human Rights and Unlawful Detention Claims
British Citizenship [Knowledge Of Language and Life in the UK Exemption]
Visitor Visas, Business Visa
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Commercial Real Estate Legal Association
- Partner / Commercial Property
Mustafa Abbas is a Partner based in the West End Office specialising in commercial and residential property matters.
He is experienced in dealing with a wide range of commercial and residential property matters, advising on all aspects of general commercial property work including landlord and tenant for owners/occupiers and secured lending. On the residential side he deals with purchases, sales, new build developments, right to buy, and auction purchases and sales.
In addition, Mustafa acts for a range of developers, dealers and investors across both the commercial and residential sectors, as well a number of retail operators.
Mustafa prides himself on taking a pragmatic, commercial approach, and can add extra value for clients through his network in the industry.
Outside of work, Mustafa's interests include football and volunteering for various charitable organisations.
Mustafa is a member of the Commercial Real Estate Legal Association.
Expertise
Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Paralegal / Residential Property
Paul Cain is a Partner in the Real Estate department and has been a Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer for a number of years.
He has been continually ranked in the Legal 500 since 2014; and has been variously described as a ‘rising star' who ‘punches above his weight'.; he is described as a 'go to for large volume transactions' in the 2020 edition of the guide and was praised for 'great technical knowledge and strategic ability' in the 2019 directory.
Paul deals with all aspects of Property work including residential and commercial transactions, the acquisition of development sites and plot sales, the negotiation of leases and also advises clients on purchasing and selling of property at auction. He is regularly instructed on high value transactions by property developers, high net worth individuals and companies. He acts for borrowers, and lenders, in transactions involving the refinancing of substantial property portfolios, advising on loan documentation and obtaining development finance.
Paul has built up a dedicated following through his reputation and accessibility to clients.
Expertise
Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Paralegal / Residential Property
"Piers Desser is an assiduous investigator and litigator."
Piers Desser heads the Criminal Litigation and Business Crime Department and is a Leading Individual in The Legal 500, which describes him as "the consummate criminal lawyer".
Possessing extensive knowledge of criminal and regulatory investigations, he specialises in forensically challenging cash seizures, restraint orders, confiscation applications, Account Forfeiture, and Freezing Orders under the Criminal Finances Act 2017 and other Proceeds of Crime actions.
His clients include both individuals and corporates targeted by nationwide police forces, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), HMRC, and borough councils.
With an unrivalled record of success, he has protected clients' interests against complex investigations by the Metropolitan Police Service and the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Piers is instructed in all aspects of criminal proceedings. Cases involving novel and complex aspects of law frequently lead to instructions and referrals from professionals, corporate organisations, and national governments.
Holding Higher Rights of Audience, Piers acts as an advocate at trials, applications, and key hearings and he also has a well-established appellate practice.
Expertise
Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Partner / Buying and Selling Businesses
- Professional and Very Prompt, but Also Didn'T Forget the Fact You'Re Dealing With Human Beings.'
Rebecca Roberts was professional and very prompt, but also didn't forget the fact you're dealing with human beings.'
‘Rebecca was extremely helpful and explained the whole contract to me.'
' It was a pleasure to deal with Rebecca who was very helpful throughout the matter and achieved the desired result. Many thanks.'
‘It was a pleasure to have Rebecca act on my behalf in dealing with my settlement agreement - she was very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. I would have no hesitation in highly recommending the firm to others.'
Rokhsareh joined the firm in 2017 as a Sanctions and Banking Specialist. She assists individuals and companies in relation to sanction law, banking law and regulation, and discrimination law. Rokhsareh's connections and familiarity with the political and legal systems of the US and UK allow her to assist her clients in an assertive and comprehensive manner.
Rokhsareh was born in Iran, raised in the United States, and has lived in England since 2015. She speaks fluent Farsi (Persian), English, and basic Spanish.
Rokhsareh earned her Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctor of Jurisprudence degrees with honours and qualified as an attorney in Texas in 2010. She worked at the Texas Supreme Court before graduating as a lawyer. As an American lawyer, her practice focused on sanction law, commercial litigation, and civil rights.
Rokhsareh completed her LLM in International Business and Commerce Law at The University of Manchester in December 2016, and she has been working as a legal professional in England since then.
She has a deep familiarity with the history and business culture in US, UK, and Iran. She also travels to Iran continually and has a vast network of legal professionals in the US, Iran, and across Europe. As a result, Rokhsareh has been instructed by numerous Iranian clients and businesses.
In the time outside of work, Rokhsareh enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, and the gym.
Expertise
Testimonials
‘Rokhsareh provided a service of the highest standards. Her advice was professional and well-informed and resolved my issue with ease. I can imagine that Rokhsareh has a heavy workload. Nevertheless, she responded to all correspondence promptly and was available for phone conversation. In all of our conversations, she was not only professional and effective, but also friendly and comforting. Frequent and easy communication with her made the process much easier for me. I will definitely come back to Rokhsaeh if a similar case arises for me, and recommend seeking her service to anyone with similar issues.'
‘I first contacted Rokhsareh when an issue was raised by my bank. I'm pleased to say that Rokhsareh has completely resolved this matter for me. Throughout the whole process, she was very professional, responsive, and always happy to answer my questions. I am extremely grateful to her and cannot recommend her highly enough.'
Job Titles:
- Adviser
- Senior Litigation Partner
Rudi Ramdarshan is a sterling litigator who achieves outstanding results for clients in difficult commercial disputes, even in the face of challenging opponents
Rudi Ramdarshan is an excellent strategic thinker, who is able to anticipate pitfalls well in advance of them materialising
Rudi Ramdarshan is a Partner and accredited mediator specialising in commercial and property litigation from the firm's West End office in Baker Street, London. For many years now Rudi has been listed as Recommended Lawyer in the Legal 500 and is now also listed as a Leading individual in various practice areas including Corporate Occupiers and Property Litigation. Rudi is described as a ‘formidable litigator', ‘excellent tactician', and a ‘walking encyclopaedia of litigation knowledge'.
Rudi is experienced in a wide variety of disputes including work in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court and County Court which often involves a cross-border and multi-jurisdictional element.
Regularly acting on behalf of both individuals and companies alike, Rudi is often instructed in a wide spectrum of commercial disputes including judicial reviews, shareholders and company/partnership disputes, contractual disputes, defamation, and insolvency matters.
Rudi's client base includes high-net-worth individuals, charities, and substantial corporate investors, including many based overseas, offshore, or inter alia the BVI, Bahamas, Mauritius, Seychelles, Romania, Turkey and the Isle of Man.
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Testimonials
.Rudi is a careful adviser who examines all the issues before giving advice. He is very hands on, getting to really understand how the company works and a strategic thinker that inspires great confidence that the company will reach the best result.'
Job Titles:
- Director
- Shareholder
- Solicitor
So far in her career, Sali has gained three years of commercial litigation experience and almost two years of corporate and commercial transactional experience.
Her litigation experience involves advising both individuals and businesses in a wide range of disputes. This includes disputes arising out of all types of commercial contracts, shareholder agreements and breach of director's duties. She has experience in resolving disputes through alternative methods of dispute resolution including settlement, mediation and arbitration.
During her experience as a corporate and commercial solicitor, Sali advised businesses on share acquisitions and sales, cross-border commercial agreements, data protection and an array of commercial issues.
Sali's experience in advising clients in both transactional and litigious commercial matters has given her a unique insight into the intricacies of corporate and commercial dealings. She understands commercial agreements from a drafter's perspective. As well as advising you on how to best resolve a dispute, Sali can also advise you on how to protect your business from litigation in the future.
Outside of work, Sali is a keen swimmer and enjoys baking.
Expertise
Represented a major airline as a defendant in EU 261 breach of contract claims brought by individuals.
Represented a major airline as both a defendant and claimant in a range of fast and multi-track contractual disputes.
Advised a leading international chain of hotels across Spain, Tenerife and the Dominican Republic in contractual disputes.
Advised a property management company on the methods of dispute resolution to adopt in relation to outstanding rental payments.
Acted for an accountancy firm in relation to a professional negligence claim made against them.
Represented an individual in a medical negligence claim made against a dental surgery.
Advised a high net-worth individual in an arbitration relating to allegations for breach of a post-nuptial agreement.
Acted for an ex-director of a company in the software industry in a claim brought against him for breach of non-compete and non-restrictive clauses in a shareholders and service agreement.
Represented a business based on Dubai on a claim for breach of a distribution agreement.
Sali Zaher is a solicitor specialising in commercial litigation and director and shareholder disputes from the office in Baker Street, London.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor / Residential Property
- Trainee Solicitor in the Conveyancing Team Based in Manchester
Saranya is currently completing her LPC at The University of Law Manchester. Outside of work she enjoys travelling, dining out, watching movies and socialising with family and friends.
Expertise
Testimonials
Experience in Residential Conveyancing, supporting high value transactions. Supporting other solicitors in the team with their purchase/sale/remortgages.
Selda is a solicitor in the Property team based at our City office. She is experienced in acquisitions and disposals of commercial property, leases of retail, office, and industrial units, licences, deeds, option agreements, and refinancing
She acts for regular clients on the purchase of commercial property and leases, deals with residential sales and acquisitions, transfer of equity, re-mortgage, lease renewals, lease extensions, and associated matters.
Selda also acts for lenders and advises both private individuals, investors, and limited companies.
Selda is bilingual in both Turkish and English.
Sera joined Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP in January 2020 when she first qualified as a Solicitor. Sera specialises in residential property matters including the purchase and sale of freehold and leasehold properties, remortgages, transfers of equity, new build transactions, buy to let, HMO's and has experience dealing with bridging finance matters.
Sera initially studied Business Management and obtained a First Class Honours degree from the University of Liverpool. She then found a passion for the law and decided to complete a conversion course to Law and completed her Legal Practicce Course with distinction at Liverpool John Moores University.
Sera is from Wales and is a fluent welsh speaker. In Sera's spare time she likes to play Netball each week and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Associate Solicitor / Commercial Property
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor / Commercial Property
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Commercial Property
Job Titles:
- Partner / Commercial Property
- Specialist Property
Tamara is a specialist property lawyer with extensive experience in commercial and residential transactions.
Tamara acts for developers, lenders (with a particular focus on secured lending work), domestic and overseas investors, landlords and tenants of a wide range of different premises including offices, restaurants, retail and mixed use properties.
She has experience of dealing with the more complex and very high value matters including hospitality, educational and ecclesiastical property and has been recommended by Legal 500 for her property finance work.
She has also advised on transfers of multiple diplomatic premises and regularly advises landlords and tenants on lease extensions and collective enfranchisement. Before completing her LPC course at College of Law in London and qualifying as a solicitor in 2007, she studied classical languages and speaks Serbo-Croat, Italian and basic Arabic.
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Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Solicitor / Residential Property
Tom is a Licensed Conveyancer specialising in residential conveyancing based in the firm's Manchester Office.
He has over 8 years of experience working in all manner of property transactions and was awarded ‘Highly Commended' in the Conveyancer of the Year category at the national Modern Law Conveyancing Awards in 2021.
Tom prides himself on delivering a pro-active and efficient service with high levels of communication with clients to ensure they are fully informed throughout the transaction. He understands that buying and selling can often be a stressful and opaque process so strives to always guide his clients with professionalism, a high level of empathy, and technical accuracy.
Vanessa is the firm's office manager. Based at our City office, Vanessa oversees the daily running of administrative activities which facilitate the smooth running of the offices.
"Victoria Huxley is a superb litigator who comes across as calm and considered, yet has real grit"
"Few people are able to outwork Victoria. She is particularly strong in director and shareholder disputes."
Victoria is a Partner in the firm's property litigation and commercial litigation team based at the West End office which is recognised in the Legal 500 as being "exceptionally talented at all levels from their Partners to the more Junior associate." Victoria has individually been recognised by The Legal 500 as a Recommended Lawyer. Victoria is experienced in acting at all levels including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Victoria is experienced in acting in corporate disputes including claims for an account, section 994 unfair prejudice petitions, breach of shareholders agreements, winding up petitions and was recently involved in the Court of Appeal case of Lifestyle Equities C.V. & Anor v Ahmed & Anor [2021] EWCA Civ 675 concerning director's personal liability as a joint tortfeasor.
Victoria qualified in 2014 and quickly developed expertise in Residential and Block Management acting for HNW Landlord Companies in a range of matters including the recovery of service charge and ground rent arrears, lease extensions pursuant to the 1993 Act, right to manage claims and freehold acquisition. She also gained experience in the Property Tribunal as to contested lease extensions, costs and disputed service charges.
In her free time, Victoria is an avid runner and reader of crime fiction.
Expertise
Testimonials
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor / Buying and Selling Businesses