Raj Chada

Criminal defence lawyer at HJA

[lan Byrne MP @IanByrneMP]

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.

[Hodge Jones & Allen @hodgejonesallen]

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 https://t.co/q3TPOmCNBR

[European Parliament @Europarl_EN]

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 ➡️ https://t.co/zst2LyCbu1

[Fraser Nelson @FraserNelson]

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: https://t.co/Qgzowy6IDL

[Legal Action Group @LegalActionGrp]

⚖️ 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 ➡️ https://t.co/tO8YY4Y6uo

[Hodge Jones & Allen @hodgejonesallen]

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

[Defend our Lawyers @DefendourLawyer]

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"

[Defend our Lawyers @DefendourLawyer]

‘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"

[Richard Osley @RichardOsley]

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.

[United Nations Geneva @UNGeneva]

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.

https://t.co/bTEKNGGJQa

[United Nations Geneva @UNGeneva]

“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

[United Nations Geneva @UNGeneva]

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

[Hodge Jones & Allen @hodgejonesallen]

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 https://t.co/Ev7WS0oZZE

[HJA Criminal Litigation @HJACrimeTeam]

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

[HJA Criminal Litigation @HJACrimeTeam]

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

[Alex Crawford @AlexCrawfordSky]

If you haven’t yet seen this, it’s worth taking a look at this detailed examination of the UK Govt’s response to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. One key revelation is when aid workers including British nationals were killed in an Israeli strike on a World Central Kitchen convoy. Two days later, the then UK Foreign Sec David Cameron signed off on the latest arms export approval to Israel. That same day he announced an urgent and “transparent” investigation into the attack. https://t.co/DpLV7MW7vK

[United Nations Geneva @UNGeneva]

The rule of law is weakening, and women and girls are paying the price.

Around the world, conflict, repression, and backlash are weakening the systems meant to protect people.

Let's push for justice that delivers: in law, in systems, and in real life #ForAllWomenAndGirls.

[Prof Ben Saul - UN SR Human Rights & Counterterror @profbensaul]

I urge the US not to follow the Islamic State, Hamas, the Taliban and Iran in holding public executions

[Hodge Jones & Allen @hodgejonesallen]

How can personal experience inspire deep empathy in legal practice?

Throughout Black History Month, we are continuing our special series highlighting the voices, achievements, and unique experiences of people across our firm.

In the second article of our series, Trainee Solicitor Dorian Williams shares his journey towards qualifying next year. Reflecting on overcoming setbacks and the value of a relaxing creative outlet outside of work, Dorian explores what resilience means to him and how his community inspired his passion for helping others.

#BHM2026 #BlackHistoryMonth #LegalSupport

[Apsana Begum MP @ApsanaBegumMP]

Despite some concessions, I still oppose the proposed reforms to curtail jury trials in the Courts and Tribunals Bill.

The root cause of trial delays is chronic underfunding. There is no basis for this assault on our most basic legal rights.

As I said at 2nd reading, I believe that the proposals undermine our rights, lack an evidence basis and risk exacerbating inequalities in our legal system.

While I was unable to attend today's debate, I would have continued to vote against the Bill.