Bark&co

Senior Solicitor in Serious Crime department

Ria qualified as a Solicitor in 1999, gained her Duty Solicitor status in 2002 and obtained her Higher Rights of Audience in the Crown Court in 2008. She is also a trained, accredited Mediator. She has been instructed as Junior Counsel in complex multi handed cases and has previously headed Crime departments in her previous firms with responsibility for guiding and mentoring trainee solicitors and Junior Staff members.

Throughout this period, she has gained extensive experience in criminal matters representing both adult and youth Clients, regularly appearing, as an advocate, in the Criminal Courts and representing Clients at the Police Station, from the investigative stages through to trials. She is also familiar with cross border negotiations involving highly sensitive matters pertaining to counter terrorism and extradition.

Ria advises on pre charge representations during police bail periods, to the police, courts, and prosecution often to avoid charges being brought on the legality of investigative powers or in relation to restrictive bail conditions.

Ria has a keen interest in representing vulnerable children and adults with additional needs. She is familiar with the particular difficulties faced by this Client group including intermediary applications and discontinuance or ‘interests of justice’ representations, the implications of the Modern Slavery Act and the NRM framework. Ria has also successfully completed the vulnerable witness accredited training program with the Law Society.

Ria has represented ‘celebrity’ high profile Clients facing the personal and professional trauma of historic sexual allegations and regardless of how a case is funded, she is a skilled advocate known for her excellent Client rapport, pro-active advice, dedicated, meticulous case preparation and favourable results as well as acquittals. Ria is currently the lead Crime Supervisor for the firm, but she also undertakes a range of privately funded and legal aid Client matters defending the firm’s more serious and complex cases including murder, sexual offences, money laundering and fraud.

“Ria Kudrati … Gives strong and professional advice in an unflinching manner. Steadfastly strong for her clients. A pleasure to work with. Tirelessly hardworking and an excellent team player. Clients are in very safe hands under her stewardship.” – James Scobie QC