Ravi SethiYear of Call: 1997
Areas of Expertise
- Family Children
- Court Protection
- Family Finance
- Family Injunction
Education
- MA Childcare Law and Practice
- Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE)
- BA (Hons) History
Direct Access Accredited: Yes
Called to the bar in 2020 after a successful career as a solicitor–advocate, having worked in law since 2004, Ravi has dealt with every aspect of a case from initial instruction through to final hearing. He has a thriving practice which is split between public law (care proceedings), family law (children), domestic violence and criminal law.
Prior to joining the bar, he was one of the few solicitors to have obtained both the prestigious Resolution Specialist Accreditation scheme in Family Law, a mark of quality as well as obtaining similar credentials in Crime, the Criminal Law Accreditation Scheme enabling him to practice as a duty solicitor and police station representative.
Ravi has an empathetic manner and can provide realistic advice to clients in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner. He has vast experience in representing vulnerable clients, including victims of abuse or those suffering from mental health conditions or learning difficulties. He has developed a specific skill set which involves providing good advice whilst being non-judgmental. He also works with legal aid clients.
Areas of law
- Care Proceedings/Public Law
- Private Children Law
- Domestic Violence
- Vulnerable Clients
Care Proceedings/Public Law
- Representing local authorities, parents as well as grandparents and other relatives in Public Law proceedings bought by the Local Authority
- Conducting advocacy at all levels of care proceedings from first appearance, case management hearings, IRH and final contested hearings
- Summarising case law, drafting court orders, case summaries as well as other key documents including thresholds, position statements and skeleton arguments
- Appearing before the High Court e.g. in Deprivation of Liberty Hearings (of a child) for both applicant and respondent
- Drafting Advice on Appeals, Skeleton Arguments on Appeal and Advocacy at Appeal Hearings
- Cases involving niche points of law e.g. a case in which an application was made to invoke the inherent jurisdiction of the court and place a child for adoption without informing a father with paternal responsibility
- Cases that attract high levels of publicity. e.g. when a parent is accused or involved in terrorism, high-profile violence or sexual grooming
Private Children Law
- Representing both Applicants and Respondents
- All types of hearings in the Family Courts
- Section 8 Children Act 1989 Prohibited Steps Orders, Child Arrangement Orders and Specific Issue Orders
- Interim hearings, first hearing dispute resolution appointments and final hearings
- Declaration of Parentage (DNA Testing)
- Applications for permission to change a child’s name
Domestic Violence
- Applicants and respondents
- Non-molestation orders
- Occupation order applications bought under Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996
- Initial applications, hearings, return dates and contested final hearings
- Vast experience in representing vulnerable clients
- Victims of child abuse, domestic abuse or those suffering from mental health conditions or learning difficulties
Professional Qualifications | 2022 Vulnerable Witness Advocacy Training/ QLR registration 2021 Direct Public Access Qualified 2020 Admitted to Lincolns Inn and the Bar 2020 Resolution Family Law Specialist Accreditation 2015 Legal Aid Supervisors Course 2014 Higher Courts (Criminal Advocacy) Qualification 2012 Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme (Duty Solicitor) 2010 Police Station Accredited Representative 2007 Admitted as a Solicitor
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Education | MA Childcare Law and Practice Keele University (awarded merit overall and distinction and prize for top dissertation student of the 2023 year group) Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) Manchester Metropolitan University Post Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE) Manchester Metropolitan University BA (Hons) History SOAS, University of London
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Professional Memberships
| Resolution (accredited specialist) Child Concern Family Law Bar Association Criminal Bar Association CPS Level 2 Advocacy Panel
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Key Skills and Competency
| Critical Thinking; Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams, LexisNexis, Westlaw, 50 WPM Typing Speed, Adaptability,Legal Aid Portal, Handling Pressure, Leadership, Problem Solving, Caselines Software | |
Activities and Interests | Community Radio/DJ, Events, Literature, Audiobooks, Music, Family fitness, football, comedy |