Pictured above: Mr S Chelvan
A barrister who has an "expansive knowledge of the law" and is a
"tenacious battler", according to Chambers and the Legal 500
respectively - opinions shared by peers and clients alike - has
taken a tenancy at No5 Chambers.
Mr S Chelvan was called to the Bar in 1999, having been a major
scholar at the Inner Temple and taken his LLM at Harvard.
Asked to explain what attracted him to a tenancy at No5
Chambers, Mr Chelvan says: "No5 provides the opportunity for
me to apply my expertise on a national and international footing
given its geographic spread and network of clients. It is
also deservedly recognised as one of the most progressive and
forward-thinking Chambers in the country, with excellent
communications and support from the practice managers and clerks. I
believe that tenancy at No5 Chambers will only serve to enhance my
practice, standing and prospects as a barrister."
Over the last ten years, Mr Chelvan has been instructed on
ground-breaking public law and immigration cases, some of which
have attracted national and international media interest. He is
also respected for his pre-litigation advisory work, leading to
successful litigation in judicial reviews.
Tony McDaid, Practice Director at No5, comments: "I am very
pleased to welcome Mr Chelvan to Chambers. Law Directories
categorise him as a 'trailblazer'. The combination of his depth of
knowledge of the law and his commitment to innovative thinking and
his chosen areas of practice mark him out an ideal fit for No5.
"These qualities dovetail with the dynamic and effective
approach of No5 and I believe that we shall have a successful
symbiotic relationship."
Mr Chelvan is a member of a number of professional groups
including the Equality and Diversity Committee, the Bar Pro Bono
Unit, Lawyers for Liberty, the Foreign National Prisoners Network
and Bar Lesbian and Gay Group. He is also a volunteer lawyer for
Bail for Immigration Detainees and Vice-Chair of the UK Lesbian and
Gay Immigration Group.
Outside of the court room, Mr Chelvan is involved in various
charities, enjoys going to restaurants, the cinema and theatre,
looking after his two dogs and the occasional cut and thrust of a
fencing bout, which he took up while at school.