Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP
326 OLD STREET
LONDON
EC1V 9DR
England

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 3

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP‘s ‘level of client care and attention are beyond anything the big players can offer’. The team acts for financial institutions, HNW individuals and corporations in international contractual and corporate disputes that frequently comprise multi-jurisdictional aspects. It is also well known for its niche in art law disputes. Rudi Ramdarshan is ‘an outstanding litigator’, David Burns specialises in property and commercial litigation, and Jonathan Chan represents clients from Asia in multi-jurisdiction commercial litigation. Victoria Huxley acts in significant corporate disputes and Benjamin Frost‘s track record includes cases at both High Court and Court of Appeal level.

Practice head(s):

Rudi Ramdarshan; David Burns

Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Chan; Victoria Huxley; Benjamin Frost; Katinka Beamish; Marissa Lawrence; Jack Bassett

Testimonials

A very thorough and collaborative firm. They remain in constant communication with clients and go over all queries.

‘The level of client care and attention are beyond anything the big players can offer. Go-to advisors who are highly recommended and prepared to take on difficult cases – furthermore, they are able to win them.’

‘Rudi Ramdarshan is an outstanding litigator with an excellent team ethos and a reassuringly confident approach. He remains unfazed by numerous procedural twists and turns, and is robust and thoroughly detailed in his responses to opponents.’

‘Rudi Ramdarshan and Victoria Huxley provide an excellent client-focused service and are highly knowledgeable within their areas of expertise. They know how to put together a winning team.’

‘Rudi Ramdarshan and Katinka Beamish are always available, offering advice and explaining legal terms that are not clear.’

‘Rudi Ramdarshan and Katinka Beamish are helpful, professional and patient.’

‘David Burns is not only exceptional in his technical and advisory skills, but also personable and a pleasure to work with. He can see when emotion blurs an issue for his clients and communicates this in a compassionate and down-to-earth way, not bamboozling clients with jargon – no hesitation in recommending his services.’

‘Jonathan Chan is exceptionally talented, fights hard, and is one of the best when it comes to complex commercial litigation. Efficient in identifying issues, transparent when it comes to advice, and excellent at executing strategic decisions.’

Key clients

PCF Bank

PCF Credit

Criterion Capital

Arion Global

Pantheon International Advisors

Al Sraiya Group

Glasshouse Asset Management

Comptoir Group

Don’t Look Back Holdings

Pascal Dowers

Bloomsbury Institute

Oxford Business College

Work highlights

  • Acting for Kashif Ahmed and Bushra Ahmed in a Supreme Court case concerning directors’ liability as joint tortfeasors (where the tort in question creates a strict liability).
  • Acted for a consortium of higher education providers in a dispute that would have seen their businesses cease to exist.
  • Acting on behalf of a development company in respect of a dispute, which is valued at approximately £200m.

Employment > Employees/unions Tier 3

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP’s team’s workload includes advising national trade unions on the remit of matters, with additional expertise in mandates concerning sex, race and maternity discrimination, as well as unfair and wrongful dismissals. At the helm of the practice is Michael Michaeloudis, who is well-regarded for his ‘exceptional legal prowess and strategic acumen’. Sophie Georgiou is adept at advising on discrimination claims, while ‘standout associate’ Tariro Nyoka is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Michael Michaeloudis

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Michael Michaeloudis was outstanding throughout the process when dealing with an employment issue. When Michael took over the case his dedication, professionalism and determination made the case much more endurable.’

‘Michael Michaeloudis was very approachable, efficient, and knowledgeable. He knew the answers to my questions, was responsive and gave me real confidence that my case was strong, and that I would have a successful outcome.’

‘I was extremely grateful when I contacted Ronald Fletcher Barker as they took the time to understand my situation and gave me valuable information and what I could do to address a very awful situation I was experiencing with my employers.’

‘Michael Michaeloudis demonstrated exceptional legal prowess and strategic acumen that significantly impacted the outcome. From the outset, Michael exhibited a profound understanding of the intricacies involved, meticulously analysing every aspect of the case to formulate a comprehensive strategy. Michael is an expert in his field.’

‘Michael Michaeloudis will stop at nothing to put the interests of his client first.’

‘With a good eye for a meritorious case the team are open to working with claimants on alternative funding models, very often to great effect.’

‘Michael Michaeloudis has a great eye for a case and can spot winning arguments that most may not. Tariro Nyoka is a standout associate.’

‘Michael Michaeloudis is a personable and hardworking solicitor who shows great care for his clients and excellent support to counsel. He also appeared to be backed up by an excellent team in the case we did together.’

Key clients

National Association of Headteachers

United Voices of the World

Work highlights

  • Represented a client in their Employment Tribunal claims for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, and unlawful deduction from wages against at the Liverpool Employment Tribunal.
  • Represented the client in her claim for unfair dismissal brought in the London East Employment Tribunal, after she had failed an alcohol test having consumed mouthwash containing alcohol.
  • Represented the employee in her whistleblowing and health and safety detriment claim brought in the Midlands West Employment Tribunal.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 3

Engaged by financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals, Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP concentrates on providing real estate portfolio management services to corporate occupier clients. Also known for its strengths in high value leases and commercial redevelopments, the group is co-led by Rudi Ramdarshan, a ‘go to’ for offshore corporate investors seeking assistance with property developments, and the ‘razor sharpDavid Burns, who advises investment companies on mixed-use property portfolios. Lauded for his ‘fountain of knowledge’, Simon Lawrence acts for landlords and tenants on commercial lettings, while Jonathan Chan is frequently instructed by overseas investors on property mandates. Benjamin Frost and Victoria Huxley are proficient in property litigation concerning lease extensions.

Practice head(s):

Rudi Ramdarshan; David Burns

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘David Burns is very knowledgeable. A pleasure to deal with and always to available to advise.’

‘The corporate occupiers team at Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP has decades of experience. The close working relationship between the transactional team and litigation teams set them apart. They have a formidable line of lawyers including heavyweights, Simon Lawrence, David Burns and Rudi Ramdarshan.’

‘David Burns is an outstanding lawyer. He is razor sharp. He is someone that you want on your side in difficult or complex cases. He has helped many portfolio landlords with the full range of litigation arising from their mixed use properties.’

‘Simon Lawrence has been dealing with corporate occupier matters for many decades. He is a fountain of knowledge.’

‘Rudi Ramdarshan is a great lawyer and really understands 1954 Act matters.’

‘The team uniquely combines leading partners with both transactional and litigation expertise as part of the team. Its the collaborative approach between the partners and departments which sets the firm apart.’

‘Simon Lawrence, who is now a Partner has been at the forefront of this sector for 20 years. He is well known in the industry. Rudi Ramdarshan is known as the go to person for corporate occupiers looking to bring about developments and to execute vacant possession strategies. David Burns knowns mix use properties and how to help maximize values. Victoria Huxley regularly acts for some of the largest asset managers. She is a rising star in the industry.’

Key clients

Comptoir Group Plc

ILM Capital

Glasshouse Asset Management

Criterion Capital

Edgware Road (2015) Limited

London Trocadero (2015) LLP

Joy in Golf Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for Comptoir Group Plc in the acquisition of various high value leases, which includes lease agreements, rent deposit deeds, and outside seating arrangements.
  • Acting for ILM Capital in the acquisition of various distressed mixed-use properties and thereafter obtaining vacant possession to facilitate the redevelopment of the properties and grant of new leases.
  • Acting for Glasshouse Asset Management in the redevelopment of multi-party mixed-use redevelopment matters in Central London locations.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 4

The team at Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP frequently advises large hotels, restaurant groups, asset managers and banks on cross-border transactions. The group is led by London-based duo John O’Callaghan and Simon Lawrence. Real estate department head O’Callaghan is an expert on property transactions, while Lawrence is a key port of call for international clients and corporate occupiers on commercial property matters. Other key figures include Deniz Oguzkanli, who is recommended for his investment and development work.

Practice head(s):

John O’Callaghan; Simon Lawrence

Other key lawyers:

Deniz Oguzkanli; Rebecca Roberts; Ali Choudhry; Paul Cain

Testimonials

‘Professionalism, expertise and availability, responsiveness.’

‘Case specific and client centred approach, particularly Deniz Oguzkanli and Rebecca Roberts have been exceptionally well. ’

‘Punch well above their weight.’

‘Simon Lawrence has doing doing deals in this sector for more than three decades.’

‘A refreshingly multi-disciplinary, diverse team dedicated to this sector.’

‘Simon Lawrence has been a leading name in the sector for over two decades. He acts for the larges hoteliers in the business. He is known by all.’

Ali Choudhry’s reputation continues to grow in the sector and a name which is often mentioned. Rebecca Roberts corporate expertise is an asset to the team ensuring that transactions proceed quickly. Paul Cain acts for some impressive clients in the sector.’

Key clients

Glasshouse Asset Management

Al Sraiya Group Limited

The Dominvs Group

Habib Bank AG Zurich

Cranfield Investments Limited

Comptoir Libanais

Keystone Holdings Limited

Drakesfield Group

Delphinus Developments Limited

Urban Spectrum Property Management Limited

Ganco Limited

Eagleyed Ltd

NOGO Ltd

Planwell Limited

Joy in Golf Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised major landlords in portfolio management, including multiple acquisitions and disposals of public houses and hotels within the UK.
  • Advising Comptoir Group Plc in relation to their portfolio of premises in key consumer areas, including the acquisition of new restaurant sites.
  • Acted for an overseas hotelier in an acquisition of their flagship London hotel site.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP counts freehold corporate investors, financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals amongst its key roster of clients, and frequently advises on redevelopment litigation, enfranchisement matters, and construction disputes. The ‘highly competentRudi Ramdarshan focuses on lease renewal proceedings and leads the team alongside the ‘incredibly knowledgeableDavid Burns, who focuses on joint venture disputes. Victoria Huxley handles forfeiture proceedings and service charge disputes, Benjamin Frost focuses on commercial and residential lease extensions, Jonathan Chan covers boundary disputes, and Marissa Lawrence acts on high-value residential possession matters.

Practice head(s):

Rudi Ramdarshan; David Burns

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘We have been a client of Rudi Ramdarshan and his team for a while now and so far every case has been handled intelligently and successfully. Rudi and the team can think outside the box, they are commercial, attentive and highly responsive. They handled very effectively our first case with them almost four years ago and even though we have also been working with some of their competition, we have returned to them for our latest case, which proves our trust in their strength and competency.’

‘Rudi Ramdarshan is strategic, knowledgeable, personable and highly competent. He is an impressive leader and role model for his team but we would like to single out one of his team members Marissa Lawrence as a very strong and impressive member of his team that we have recently had the pleasure of working with.’

‘The property litigation department at Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP is brilliant. The lawyers consistently produce excellent results for their clients. They provide magic circle service. They punch well above their weight.’

‘Partner David Burns is an outstanding litigator. He is a formidable force and a lawyer you want on your side. His experience and know how is invaluable.

‘Jonathan Chan is excellent. Composed and calm.’

‘Victoria Huxley is one of the hardest working lawyers in the industry.’

‘Ben Frost is a wise head on young shoulders.’

‘A highly effective and very switched on property litigation team; excellent at landlord and tenant matters generally it has particularly strong talent in the field of commercial property.’

Key clients

Criterion Capital

PCF Bank

Glasshouse Asset Management

Dominvs Group

Al Sraiya Group Limited (Qatar)

Habib Bank AG Zurich

Cranfield Investments Limited

Drakesfield Group

Keystone Holdings Limited (Isle of Man)

ILM Capital

Bloomsbury Institute

Stafford Park Limited

Comptoir Group

Work highlights

  • Acting for clients in the Supreme Court case against Lifestyle Equities, in a case concerning the liability of directors as joint tortfeasors.
  • Acting for Stafford Park Limited (Isle of Man) to recover a high value Central London property following the dissolution of its company.
  • Acting for Criterion Capital in various high stake litigation cases concerning its London property portfolio.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Crime: general Tier 5

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 5

Devorah Ormonde leads the offering at Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP, which handles contentious and non-contentious work. Many of its clients stem from outside the UK. The group is also receiving an increasing number of instructions to advise on the tax implications of lifetime transfers, and to create and register lifetime trusts for tax planning purposes. Chris O’Callaghan is another notable member of the department.

Practice head(s):

Devorah Ormonde

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team are very responsive and always come back the same day when I have any questions. All very helpful. Chris O’Callaghan and his team always respond quickly and are very supportive. Providing a seamless service.’

‘Chris demonstrates an empathetic approach. During the estate planning process, he offers tailored solutions by taking into account clients’ personal preferences and family relationships.’

‘Devorah Ormonde is very efficient, knowledgeable and has provided valuable advice and guidance.’

‘Excellent capabilities, very attentive and professional. Devorah Ormonde has been outstanding. We have really pushed her to the limit with our family disputes and she has remained fair and impartial.’ 

‘They have been very professional. Have been with us every step of the way.’

‘Chris O’Callaghan has been simply amazing. He has gone out of his way to make us feel protected. He made things very simple for us.’

‘The team’s knowledge is second to none. Chris O’Callaghan and Devorah Ormonde both exude confidence and professionalism, as well as the people skills required. They always engage and hold your hand through processes.’

‘Excellent service from all staff.’

Private client > Family Tier 6

Adam Bowes heads up the family team at Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP, and is ‘a great all-around family lawyer‘ with notable expertise in handling nuptial agreements for high-net-worth individuals. The team also has experience in matters involving allegations of coercive behaviour, and cross-border cases and those with international elements are often handled by Beth Alexander.

Practice head(s):

John O’Callaghan; Adam Bowes

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP is a delight to work with as they take a practical stance and are very approachable. They have a strong team of very capable family law solicitors. They are confident, diligent and have superb client care and knowledge of family law.’

‘Adam Bowes is very approachable; he listens carefully to his clients and makes them feel at ease. He is very good at managing people’s expectations even if it is not what they want to hear, with such information delivered in a very palatable manner.’

‘Ronald Fletcher Baker is one of the most diverse law firms I have come across.’

‘Adam Bowes is a great all-around family lawyer. He is very knowledgeable and deals with some very complex cases. He is friendly, compassionate and gives sound advice.’

‘This team is standout. They will fight for a client with tenacity and foresight, but will not be afraid to give honest and clear advice on the best way forward.’

‘Adam Bowes is an incredible lawyer. He wins the trust of clients with compassion and momentum, and is a wonderful team player.’

‘Beth Alexander is fiercely protective of her clients, and will fight their corner unhesitatingly.’

‘Adam Bowes leads the team confidently and supports every client with close and careful humility. He is thoughtful, sensitive and supportive for each and every case that crosses his desk, paying them the highest level of care and attention.’

Work highlights

  • Acting for the father on the Appeal of F v M [2023] EWFC 5, which relates to the first time the High Court has considered serious allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour and the difference between married and unmarried couples in terms of Orders for contact and the revocation of Parental Responsibility.
  • Acting for the 2nd and 3rd Respondents in S1 Ltd. v Unnamed defendants [2024] relating to the beneficial and legal ownership of company assets alongside individually owned assets.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 7

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP, ‘always polite, available, approachable, knowledgeable and efficient,’ often advises development and bridging lenders on property finance instructions. John O’Callaghan leads the property team, while Paul Cain heads the specialist bridging lending department. Cain, ‘an excellent person’ praised for his exceptional work ethic, is regularly involved in high-value refinancings and deals involving bridging finance.

Practice head(s):

John O’Callaghan; Paul Cain

 

Testimonials

‘Always available and ready to give you informed advice. The key point is that they are always available and respond very quickly all the time, inside and outside hours.’

‘The team are without a doubt a joy to work with. Always polite, available, approachable, knowledgeable and efficient.’

‘It all stems from a client service oriented approach where they are always on call for our questions and requests.’

‘Doing what we do, we surely need reliable solicitors representing us, and we couldn’t really ask for better ones than Paul Cain’s team. ’

‘Paul Cain not only knows his stuff, but he exerts time and effort and goes out of his way to advise his clients and protect their interests. Just an excellent person and we are lucky to have him on our side!’

‘Very supportive and hard-working – happy to offer advice and guidance to us as a lender.’

‘The organisation has great people that offer great knowledge compared to other organisations we have worked with.’

‘The work ethic is exceptional. We have been working with Paul Cain for over ten years now.’

Key clients

Octane Property Finance Limited

Alpha Bank London Limited

Mint Property Finance Limited

London Credit Limited

Cranfield Investments Limited

OneSavings Bank Plc t/a Kent Reliance

RGL Services Ltd

Glasshouse Asset Management

Dominvs Property Developments Limited

Roma Finance

Keystone Holdings Limited (Isle of Man)

Ganco Holdings Limited

ILM Capital

Work highlights

  • Acted on over 350 matters for Octane Property Finance with a total loan value of over £100 million.

For over 75 years, Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP has been providing expert advice from its offices in the City of London, the West End of London, Manchester, Exeter, and internationally via its office in Istanbul, and its Russia, Ukraine and CIS, and Iran desks. The firm promises to be professional, responsive and competitive.

The firm: Vast experience acting for domestic and international governments, medium to large national and international companies, financial institutions, high-net-worth individuals and substantial corporate investors, many of whom are based overseas.

Types of work undertaken
Corporate and commercial: this department provides a full service to clients in connection with commercial contracts, mergers and acquisitions, private equity and corporate projects involving multiple jurisdictions where skilled negotiation is fundamental.

Litigation: the department specialises in managing complex cases involving multiple claims and parties, often with a multi-jurisdictional remit. The firm deals with a broad range of commercial disputes ranging from contractual disputes, commercial fraud, injunctive relief, dispute resolution, mediation and arbitration, intellectual property, construction disputes and negligence including professional negligence.

Real estate: the firm attracts a diverse client base from financial institutions, high-net-worth individuals and substantial freehold corporate investors, as a result of which the firm has considerable expertise acting for corporate investors based in the BVI, Bahamas, Mauritius, Seychelles, Turkey and Isle of Man. This department also acts for sellers and buyers, and buy-to-let investors, many based overseas. The department has special experience of the more complex flat schemes and leasehold enfranchisement in Central London, and also has particular expertise in acting in high-value hotel purchases. The firm is also regularly instructed in big-ticket transactions.

Property litigation: the firm attracts a diverse real estate client base from financial institutions, high-net-worth individuals and substantial freehold corporate investors. The firm excels in complex property litigation disputes and is retained by several substantial overseas freehold investors in heavily contested 1954 Act lease renewals. The firm also excels in cases involving allegations of fraud, construction disputes, contested lease extensions, enfranchisement and cases where emergency action needs to be taken, including obtaining freezing injunctions.

Employment: the department is best known for its discretion when dealing with senior executives and employers. The firm has regularly been instructed by other law firms, barristers and high-value executives in contentious and non-contentious matters.

Professional discipline: the department has a focus on healthcare, and specialises in providing a high-quality service to individuals facing investigation by their regulator. The department has a particular expertise in appeals against initial registration.

Crime: the firm is one of the longest serving firms in London with a substantial criminal practice. The firm is best known for its experience and discretion in dealing with highly sensitive matters. The firm has particular expertise in acting in matters of fraud involving jurisdictional elements and for this reason the firm is the first choice by other City law firms seeking to bring in external expertise in the areas of criminal fraud and extradition.

Family: this department brings its technical expertise and sensitivity to this difficult area of law. The firm has experience of acting in divorce and separation and resulting financial and property issues, international and jurisdictional disputes and civil partnership dissolution. The firm’s team are members of Resolution, the Law Society Children Panel, the Law Society Advanced Family Law Panel and the lawyer-supported mediation network so that you can be confident that its advice is of the highest quality.

International: the firm is well placed to deal with the global nature of corporate, transactional and litigation work via its associated office in Istanbul and dedicated teams in its Iran desk, China desk, and Russia, Ukraine and CIS desk. International work includes international arbitration, high-value corporate and property and high-value commercial litigation.

Department Name Email Telephone
Managing partner Rakeebah Rahim [email protected]
Corporate and commercial Rebecca Roberts [email protected] 0207 613 7146
Dispute resolution Rudi Ramdarshan [email protected] 0207 467 5765
Dispute resolution David Burns [email protected]
Real estate John O'Callaghan [email protected]
Real estate Afsheen Nasr [email protected]
Real estate Paul Cain [email protected]
Real estate Mustafa Abbas [email protected]
Property litigation Rudi Ramdarshan [email protected]
Employment Michael Michaeloudis [email protected]
Family law Adam Bowes [email protected]
Private client Chris O'Callaghan [email protected]
Professional discipline John Lamb [email protected]
Photo Name Position Profile
Deniz Oguzkanli photo Deniz Oguzkanli Deniz Oguzkanli, a partner, heads up the firm’s Istanbul office. Described in…
John O’Callaghan photo John O’Callaghan John qualified as a solicitor in 1983 and has been a partner…
Rakeebah Rahim photo Rakeebah Rahim Rakeebah Rahim is the managing partner at the firm. Described as ‘tremendously…
Rudi Ramdarshan photo Rudi Ramdarshan Rudi Ramdarshan is a partner of the firm and The Legal 500…
Number of UK partners : 24
Number of other UK fee-earners : 72
Russian
Turkish
Farsi
Chinese (Cantonese
Ukrainian
Gujarati
French
Arabic
Italian
Kurdish
German
Spanish
Urdu

CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: This is a team that really punches above its weight in terms of value for money and sheer quality of the service they offer to clients


CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: The commercial litigation team at RFB are 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


CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: The team at RFB are exceptionally talented at all levels from their Partners to the more Junior Associates


CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: ‘The team’s biggest strength is the ability to tackle any situation, no matter how diverse or complex.


CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: The team has ‘notable expertise in the commercial development and redevelopment space, and …particular strength in the hotels sector’


CLIENT:
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: “They are committed to providing an excellent service to their clients”


At Ronald Fletcher Baker, we strongly believe that by fostering an approach which supports diversity, embeds equity, and promotes inclusion is an environment which benefits not only our firm, our colleagues and our clients but more importantly society. For this reason, Diversity Equity and Inclusion is a core tenet of the firm and a fundamental priority of ours.

We are committed to maintaining a progressive culture with our focus on law and people. We have a proactive partner led approach to Diversity Equity and Inclusion which ensures its promotion and integration across the entire firm at all levels. By valuing diverse experiences and differences, and not just academics, we are able to create an authentic environment enabling individuals to innovate and create without restriction.

It is a testament to our commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion that we take immense pride in our Manging Partner Rakeebah Rahim, who inspires everyone in the firm to strive to reach their full potential irrespective of background, identity and differences and who has instilled an ethos of Diversity Equity and Inclusion into the foundations and culture of this firm. Rakeebah is recognised for her formidable work ethic and her drive to succeed, a leader with an ability to guide and motivate an array of talented individuals.

Our beliefs and core values to promote Diversity Equity and Inclusion are enshrined in our existing policies which are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that this firm continues to promote a progressive environment which celebrates Diversity Equity and Inclusion.

The immense value of having Diversity Equity and inclusion at our core cannot be ignored, it allows us to drive innovation and focus on results benefitting not only our staff, and clients but helping us to have a positive impact on society.