The Criminal Defence team at social justice law firm Hodge Jones & Allen have welcomed three new solicitors to its growing practice, despite the continuing issues and delays within the English court system.
The lawyers, who will work as part of the team headed by Raj Chada, include Sania Shah, who has more than five years’ experience, as well as two newly-qualified solicitors, Aneka Thirurajah and Rishi Joshi.
Joining from another London-based law firm, Sania specialises in serious and complex crime and youth crime and is a Higher Rights Advocate. She has a wealth of experience in complicated drugs cases, homicide and dishonesty offences.
Both recently qualified, Aneka and Rishi completed their training contracts at Hodge Jones & Allen.
Aneka (pictured) has worked in serious and complex crime, and the department’s public order team. She is particularly passionate about protest cases. Whilst training, she dealt with hundreds of clients arrested during the Extinction Rebellion protests in April and October 2019.
Rishi has worked across social justice cases, regularly supporting vulnerable clients with complex medical needs and disabilities. He also trained in the department’s financial crime and serious crime team.
HJA’s Criminal Defence team is widely acknowledged as one of the UK’s leading criminal defence practices, ranked as Tier 1 by Legal 500. They have defended some of the country’s most high-profile and complex cases, ranging from the Stansted 15 case to BLM protestors, to recent terrorism charges.
This news comes after HJA’s new multi-voiced rebrand to reflect its diverse client-base and continuing effort to 'fight for what’s right'. With 45 years of tackling injustice and promoting ethical values, the new appointments affirm HJA’s ever-growing commitment to protect those in need.
Partner and head of department, Raj Chada, said: 'At a time of continued pressure on the criminal justice system, we are delighted to welcome three young new lawyers to the department. Our ethos is to provide the best service to all clients, from the protestor to the murder suspect, from the shoplifter to the city trader. Whatever their status, we will fight their corner. Aneka, Rishi, and Sania reflect that commitment and I am delighted to welcome them to the team.'
