Mr Sethi has represented both Applicants and Respondents in all types of hearings in the Family Courts. Examples include Section 8 Children Act 1989 Prohibited Steps Orders, Child Arrangement Orders, Special Guardian Hearings, Adoption, Care Cases, Residence and Specific Issue Orders. He has conducted advocacy at all stages, ex parte, Interim, First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment and Final Hearings.
On many occasions, there has been a link to Domestic Violence, as mentioned above. A client may have required a non-molestation order and a prohibited steps order to keep a child safe from an abusive partner.
Conversely, he has often acted for a Respondent who may allege that allegations of violence are exaggerated or fabricated to give the Applicant parent an advantage in child contact arrangements or finances when the relationship breaks down.
Other types of hearings include Declaration of Parentage (DNA Testing) and Applications for permission to change a child’s name.
My approach
Mr Sethi has many years of representing clients. He will listen to you and present your case to the best of his abilities. He will also negotiate with other parties where appropriate to try and get you the best possible outcome.
My work
Mr Sethi has vast experience in representing vulnerable clients. Examples include victims of child abuse, domestic abuse or those suffering from mental health conditions or learning difficulties.
In both public law, family, and criminal work he meets vulnerable clients on a regular basis. Mr Sethi is acutely aware that he is meeting them at a particularly low point in their life when their children are at risk of removal and/or they are at risk of a custodial sentence and is able to approach matters sensitively. He has been able to develop a specific skill set which involves providing good, realistic advice whilst being both non-judgmental and empathetic.
On many occasions he has represented the same client in both the criminal and family courts.
About me
Called to the Bar in 2020 after a successful career as a Solicitor – Advocate, working in law since 2004, Mr Sethi 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.
Mr Sethi has an empathetic manner and can provide realistic advice to clients in a straightforward, easy to understand manner with a passion for learning and a commitment to keeping up with the ever-changing developments in his legal areas of practice.
Mr Sethi accepts instructions to advise and represent clients from initial hearings through to contested final hearings and trials.
Based in Manchester, he is able to cover all courts in the Northwest as well as further afield with appropriate notice.
What my clients say
“Ravi has been a fantastic mentor to me now for over 15 years. He is a go to contact whenever I need someone calm and intelligent to help me work things out. Humble too, no matter how silly the question, he has never let it be known. An expert litigator with a gift for problem solving. I am very comfortable passing on his details to clients, with the full confidence that they will be looked after professionally and competently”.
Mr Shahzad Pathan, Solicitor
“I worked alongside Ravi and had the opportunity to get to know him. He is a hard working, professional and diligent lawyer. A helpful and friendly team player and an exceptional court advocate with an eye and attention for detail”.
Mrs Alexandra Vivonna Solicitor
''I worked with Ravi as a young paralegal/trainee. He helped me do my first ever court hearing in the then County Court (now Family Court). I’m now 5+ years PQE and owe a lot to Ravi in learning the ropes of advocacy”.
Miss Farah Hussain, Child Panel Solicitor
"Thankyou so much. At times I feared I would never have contact with my children again. It was such a long process but you helped me all the way through".
- parent
"You were friendly, professional and gave realistic advice. I couldn't have got through the family courts without you. Thanks".
- parent
Professional & academic
Education:
- MA Childcare Law & Practice – Keele University (awarded prize for top dissertation student)
- BA (Hons) History – School of Oriental and African Studies; University of London
- Post Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE) – Manchester Metropolitan University
- Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) – Manchester Metropolitan University
Professional Qualifications:
- 2024 Expert Witness Advocacy Training Course
- 2022 Advocacy & Vulnerable People Training (Qualified Legal Representative)
- 2021 Direct 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
Professional Memberships:
- Resolution (accredited specialist)
- Child Concern
- Family Law Bar Association
- Criminal Bar Association
- Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates
- CPS Level 2 Advocacy Panel
- Manchester & Trafford Law Societies
