Rajesh Pillai KC

Recommended in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, Chambers Global Guide, Legal 500 Asia-Pacific and Chambers Asia-Pacific and a leading silk in the following practice areas:

• Banking and finance
• Commercial litigation
• Civil fraud
• Financial Services
• International arbitration
• Offshore

Nominated for ‘Art and Cultural Property Silk of the Year 2025’, Legal 500 Awards

Nominated for ‘International Arbitration Junior of the Year 2013’. Chambers & Partners Bar Awards

Comments in the last few years include:

‘He is very polished, sensible and a star for the future.’ Chambers & Partners 2026

‘Rajesh is very smooth yet forceful in his advocacy. He brings a very commercial and forensic approach to his work and a keen eye for detail.’ Chambers & Partners 2026

‘Rajesh is a top-quality silk who is very good at client care, commercial, highly intelligent and is an effective advocate in writing and orally.’ Chambers & Partners 2026

‘Rajesh is a great captain to our ship. He leads with confidence and deals with the clients, counsel and tribunal effortlessly.’ Chambers & Partners 2026

‘Responsive, commercial, user-friendly. Graceful and persuasive style without pomposity.’ Legal 500 2026

‘Raj mixes smooth but forceful advocacy with a forensic eye for detail. He is great with clients and always has in mind the commercial objective.’ Legal 500 2026

‘Rajesh is highly intelligent, crafts clear and cogent arguments and keeps his cool under pressure.’ Legal 500 2026

‘Raj is an outstanding advocate, combining fierce intellect with tactical brilliance.’ Legal 500 2025

‘Smooth but forceful advocate with an excellent blend of commercial nous and forensic detail. Intelligent leader who marshals his team well to cover all aspects of large-scale litigation.’ Legal 500 2025

‘Rajesh is an extremely fluent and accomplished advocate. He is extremely clear, highly persuasive and quick on his feet.’ Legal 500 2025

‘Rajesh’s client engagement is impressive. He provides detailed, thorough submissions and his written arguments are of strong quality.’ Chambers & Partners 2024

‘A very bright and engaging advocate who is particularly strong on his feet. Great on the written and advisory side too.’ Legal 500 2024

‘He brings a great deal of common sense and practicality to the team – he is responsive and approachable for any member of the instructing firm. An effective advocate who reads the court well.’ Legal 500 2024

‘Smooth but forceful advocate, and great with clients. Rajesh is forensic but also has astute commercial awareness.’ Legal 500 2024

‘Rajesh impresses with his ability to quickly get to grips with the issues and provide strategic advice and direction. He is a persuasive advocate, tailoring his approach as appropriate to those he is cross-examining.’ Chambers & Partners 2023

‘Rajesh gives clear strategic advice. He understands commercial pressures, is user-friendly and very responsive.’ Chambers & Partners 2023 

‘He comes with a plethora of experience; he understands the Indian market very well and the nuances of Indian system. He’s very good at meandering through complexities.’ Chambers & Partners 2023

‘Raj is very bright, sees the points, great drafting and a tenacious advocate. He is a real asset on a team.’ Legal 500 2023

‘He’s very sought after and in demand. He has a good blend of diligence and commerciality.’ Chambers & Partners UK 2022

‘He has a great in-depth knowledge of how the system works and can handle large international disputes globally. His advice is extremely sound and he is commercially sound.’ Chambers & Partners UK 2022

‘One of the handful of English Bar barristers who really get India and Indian legal practice.’ Chambers & Partners Global 2022

‘Bright, hard-working and committed, user-friendly and approachable. He tends to give firm decisive advice.’ Legal 500 2022

‘Calm, collected and leads large teams exceptionally well. He offers the court the answers it seeks with charm and confidence and provides the underlying client with an excellent service, with nothing short of his full attention and skill.’ Legal 500 2022

‘Rajesh combines deep knowledge of the area with strong written and oral advocacy skills. A force to be reckoned with.’ Legal 500 2022

‘Excellent blend of technical excellence and commercial nous. Excellent client facing skills. A smooth but forceful advocate.’ Legal 500 2022

Rajesh has deep knowledge of arbitration as counsel, having appeared in matters in a variety of jurisdictions over the last twenty five years. He is instructed in important claims on behalf of corporate clients, high net worth individuals and States.

Rajesh deals with claims involving contractual matters, banking and financial services, mergers and acquisitions, joint-venture and related shareholder claims, commercial fraud, commercial real estate and asset management, art and cultural property, negligence and insolvency. Specific experience is addressed in the sections below.

He regularly works with parties and lawyers from different jurisdictions. He is called to the Bars of England and Wales, New York and the BVI. He is a registered foreign practitioner with the Singapore International Commercial Court and the DIFC Court. He has also appeared in disputes before the ADGM Court.

Rajesh has dealt with systems of law and expert evidence from a variety of sectors. He is adept at handling expert valuation evidence and quantum issues. He is also well used to dealing with arguments and approaches from a variety of different legal and cultural backgrounds. He is alive to the potential for culture clashes and the need for sensitivity in the formal context of an arbitration. Rajesh has been described in the legal directories as one who “understands the complexities of unwieldy disputes in a three-dimensional way.”

Rajesh is also comfortable dealing with applications for urgent or emergency interim relief in the context of arbitration and related court proceedings, including freezing and antisuit injunctions, security for costs and witness depositions.

Rajesh has experience of disputes governed by a range of rules from ad hoc arbitrations to those administered under the LCIA, ICC, SIAC, GCC (Bahrain) and BCCI (Bulgaria). He is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He is recommended as counsel for international arbitration in Chambers UK, Chambers Global, Chambers Asia-Pacific, Legal 500 UK and Legal 500 Asia-Pacific. He has been listed as one of Who’s Who Legal’s Future Leaders in Arbitration.

Rajesh’s international background complements his professional experience. He handles disputes involving clients from across the world and is known for in-depth experience in Asia and involving Asian clients and counterparties. Rajesh holds undergraduate degrees from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and an LLM from New York University School of Law. He speaks conversational French and Sinhala. He gives regular talks on litigation and arbitration and has published on a variety of disputes topics.

Chambers 2026 says that Rajesh “is a great captain to our ship. He leads with confidence and deals with the clients, counsel and tribunal effortlessly.” Other quotes include that he is “hugely commercial and a very effective advocate. He understands the client’s pressure points” and “very switched on, charismatic and adept at helping his team understand how to present in front of a tribunal.”

Chambers Asia-Pacific 2022 described Rajesh as being “particularly well known for his handling of matters with Indian, Indonesian or Malaysian connections”, as “an up-and-coming silk and one to watch” who is “one of the handful of English Bar barristers who really get India and Indian legal practice.” Before taking silk, Rajesh was the only junior counsel named in Chambers Asia Pacific’s Spotlight table for the international arbitration bar.

Recent work includes:

• Acted for the world’s largest chemicals producer in dispute over multi-jurisdictional arbitration and litigation proceedings and antisuit injunction [2025] EWHC 2288 (Comm).
• Acted in dispute between Indian conglomerates over corporate takeover following Indian insolvency procedure; LCIA rules, London seat.
• Advised owner of US copper mine in dispute arising from offtake agreement; LCIA rules, London seat.
• Acted for Indian pharmaceutical company in dispute over vaccine licensing and distribution; SIAC rules, Singapore seat.
• Acted for Indian power company in dispute over supply from China; SIAC rules, Singapore seat.
• Acted for Indian energy group in disputes over termination of charters and related contracts for LNG regasification unit; ICC and SIAC rules, London and Singapore seats.
• Acted for New York and PRC investors in USD18m dispute over hotel investments; CIArb (Bermuda) Rules, Bermuda seat.
• Acted for European bank in a €15m dispute over trade financing arrangements for metals transactions; LCIA Rules, London seat.
• Acted for Middle Eastern company in claim for commission in relation to energy contracts in Iraq; ICC Rules, London seat.
• Advised Indian oil and gas consultancy in dispute over services; LCIA Rules, London seat.
• Acted for Serbian companies in claim over breach of warranty in high-value commercial real estate dispute; LCIA Rules, London seat.
• Acted for a US client in a USD multi-million claim against Indian manufacturer over agency and commission for Latin American sales; co-counsel with US team; ICC Rules, London seat.
• Acted for UK banking group in €100m claim for recoveries arising out of the largest M&A transaction of recent times, involving the merger of four banking groups (with Jonathan Davies-Jones KC); ICC Rules, Paris seat.
• Acted for an Indian developer in a £350m dispute over alleged investment recommendations (with Richard Salter KC and Jonathan Davies-Jones KC); LCIA Rules, Singapore seat.
• Acted for Indian infrastructure company in USD multi-million dispute over energy joint venture in India; co-counsel with Indian team; SIAC Rules, Singapore seat.
• Acted for an Indian developer in a USD1bn dispute over Indian real estate ventures; LCIA-I Rules, New Delhi seat.
• Application to obtain deposition evidence for use in foreign-seated arbitration (Comm Court).
• Acted for Australian machinery company on arbitration relating to European subsidiary’s supply contract with English public body.
• Acting on behalf of Middle Eastern company in dispute over foreign investment. Shareholder dispute involving entities from the region and state; ICC Rules, London seat.
• Acting on behalf of claimant mining company resisting s9 Arbitration Act 1996 application for stay (Commercial Court).
• Acting on behalf of investment fund in dispute over South Asian power plant involving Cayman and Singaporean parties; acting with New York and Singapore counsel; SIAC Rules, Singapore seat.
• Acting on behalf of Indian telecoms company in financing dispute with Japanese party; acting with New York and Mumbai counsel; LCIA Rules, Singapore seat.
• Acting on behalf of arranger in claims for commission and damages relating to break up of joint venture on investment banking operations in the Gulf involving Dubai, Kuwaiti and European parties; GCC Rules, Bahrain seat.
• Acting on behalf of precious metal mining company in arbitration over design and construction services involving BVI, Jersey and Kazakh interests; issues include alleged bribery, rescission and contractual estoppel; ad hoc and LCIA Rules relevant (with Jonathan Nash KC).
• Acted on behalf of claimant multinational pharmaceutical companies in two arbitrations involving UK, Swedish and Bulgarian parties; issues included breach of contract, alleged bribery, commercial agency, standards of proof in international arbitration; BCCI Rules, Sofia seat (with Jonathan Nash KC).
• Advised on the validity of arbitration clauses and the finality of trade association (International Cotton Association) arbitration awards.

Rajesh acts on behalf of domestic and international investment funds, banks, other financial institutions and their customers and private investors. Specializes in investment and retail banking disputes arising out of banker-customer contracts, financial instruments (including derivatives and related products), corporate lending, bonds, guarantees and performance bonds, fraud, breach of mandate, negligent advice (see also Professional Negligence section), inter-bank transactions, documentary credits, money-laundering/POCA, regulatory issues and in enforcing securities.

Chambers 2026 says “He provides first rate advice that is commercial and easy for clients to digest”, “Rajesh is very user-friendly and has a very smooth yet forceful advocacy approach.”, “He is very polished, sensible and a star for the future.” Legal 500 notes that “Raj mixes smooth advocacy with a forensic eye for detail.”

Current and recent work includes:

• Acting for Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank in USD1bn fraud claim relating to undisclosed debts, supply-chain finance and the collapse of NMC Health plc, trial 2026 see [2020] EWHC 3423 (Comm) and related ADGM litigation (eg [2022] ADGMCFI 0007).
• Acting for Bahamian broker-dealer defending injunction and fraud allegations over security and rehypothecation in claim for over USD 300m (Commercial Court), see Salinas v Astor Asset Management, Weiser Global Capital Mkts [2024] EWHC 2522 (Comm).
• Acting for US private equity fund in dispute over financing of aviation leases (Commercial Court, various jurisdictions).
• Acting for leading European technology company in dispute over software (Commercial Court).
• Advising a UK plc on fraud claims arising out of bullion transactions worth over USD500m (various jurisdictions).
• Piraeus Bank v Grand Anemi and ors [2021] EWHC 327 (Comm); [2019] EWHC 2489 (Comm) – Acted for Greek bank in successful €96m claim on loan and security arrangements against shipping conglomerate (Commercial Court).
• Advising offshore banking group on margin issues arising out of re-valuation of property portfolio (2020)
• Advising Middle Eastern financial services company in claim for commissions under broking arrangements with well-known US institutional investment consultant (2019).
• Acting for European bank in a €15m dispute over trade financing arrangements for metals transactions.
• Acting for UK banking group in €100m claim in arbitration for recoveries arising out of the largest M&A transaction of recent times, involving the merger of four banking groups (with Jonathan Davies-Jones KC) (2017).
• A Bank v B Fund providing expert evidence for Fund in Spanish proceedings relating to effect of refund guarantee and variations to shipbuilding contracts (2016-2018).
• Advising on guarantee claims and related insolvency issues relating to proceedings in Mumbai and London (2017-2018).
• Advising leading Indian bank on enforcement options in the context of USD4bn restructuring of a conglomerate’s debts (with Jonathan Nash KC) (2017).
• Defending Bank in claims relating to variation of interest rates, unfair relationships and FCA obligations including TCF and related regulatory issues (2016).
• Acted on behalf of Turkish businessman defending claim by Bahrain bank for repayment under Islamic finance arrangement (Commercial Court) (2013).
• Stokors and ors v IG Markets Ltd [2013] EWHC 631 (Comm); [2012] EWCA Civ 1706 Acted on behalf of claimant investors in claim for dishonest assistance and knowing receipt against CFD provider (with Jonathan Nash KC, Commercial Court).
• Honua Securities and ors v SMI Hyundai Corp and ors (US District Court, Virginia) – advised plaintiff investor on dispute relating to a bond issue, fraudulent misrepresentation and provided expert evidence on the interpretation of bond and guarantee provisions. Damages of c. USD100m awarded at trial (2011).
• Advised on the interpretation of unilateral amendment and related provisions in bond conditions further to a dispute over mandatory convertible securities (with Ewan McQuater KC, 2011).
• Advised Australian mining concern on the interpretation of early repayment and equity conversion clauses in lending agreements (2011).
• Acted for defendant Bank in dispute over £10m loan facilities (Comm Ct; Christopher Clarke J, 2010). Issues included construction of terms governing events of default, validity of demands, economic duress and waiver (settled during trial; with Richard Salter KC).
• Clydesdale Financial Services and ors v Smailes, Jiva Solicitors LLP and ors (Ch D; David Richards J, 2010) Acted on behalf of claimant funders to recover security under complex litigation funding arrangements following sale of solicitors practices. Defendants included former administrators and solicitors firms in liquidation; issues include validity of assignments, tracing and priority of securities (settled with Jonathan Mark Phillips).
• Advised European bank on events of default and enforcing rights under credit arrangements (2010).
• Advising London investment fund and fund manager on dispute arising out of structured notes issued by a foreign government (2009).
• IFE Fund SA v Goldman Sachs International (2007) 1 Lloyd’s Rep 264 (Commercial Ct; Toulson J); (2007) 2 Lloyd’s Rep 449 (CA) – acted at trial and on appeal on behalf of investment fund in claim against arranger of syndicated loan facility for negligent misrepresentation and non-disclosure (with Jonathan Nash KC).

Rajesh’s experience covers fraud claims and obtaining freezing, search and asset preservation orders; asset tracing work, money-laundering and restitutionary remedies; specific disclosure applications and applications for the release of evidence and assets under civil freezing orders and criminal restraint orders (under POCA). He appeared in the Supreme Court in 2016 in relation to the Eclipse film-finance tax avoidance schemes and argued as sole counsel for HMRC on a question of statutory interpretation. He is currently representing Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank in CLAIMS arising out of the collapse of the NMC Group.

Chambers 2026 says “Rajesh is a top-quality silk who is very good at client care, commercial, highly intelligent and is an effective advocate in writing and orally”; “He brings a very commercial and forensic approach and a keen eye for the detail”; “A very good advocate who has a good rapport with the bench”. Legal 500 states “Rajesh is highly intelligent, crafts clear and cogent arguments and keeps his cool under pressure.”

Current and recent work has involved trials, interim applications and injunction proceedings in the Commercial and Mercantile Courts as well as work on injunctions in BVI and DIFC:

• Acting for Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank in USD1bn claim relating to undisclosed debts, supply-chain finance and the collapse of NMC Health plc, trial 2026 [2020] EWHC 3423 (Comm) [2022] ADGMCFI 0007.
• Acting for Bahamian broker-dealer defending injunction and fraud allegations over security and rehypothecation in claim for over USD 300m (Commercial Court), see Salinas v Astor Asset Management, Weiser Global Capital Mkts [2024] EWHC 2522 (Comm).
• Manek v 360 One WAM [2023] EWHC 710 (Comm). Acted for Indian, Singaporean and Mauritian financial businesses in dispute over alleged fraudulent share sale, questions over joinder and limitation.
• SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd v (1) Renish Petrochem FZE (2) Mehta [2022] DIFC CA 011. Acted in three day appeal in the DIFC relating to test for fraudulent misrepresentation after trial in defendant’s absence.
• Advising UK banking plc on fraud claims arising out of bullion transactions worth over USD500m (various jurisdictions) (2020).
• Acting for defendant Swiss steel traders in dispute over breach of fiduciary duty and conspiracy (2019).
• Acting for former directors defending claims by liquidator alleging unlawful distributions, breach of fiduciary duty and accessory liability, trial autumn 2020 (Ch D).
• Acting for BVI mining company in USD multi-million dispute with Central Asian oligarchs (2019).
• Acting for director of HK listed company in relation to litigation in BVI, Ontario and PRC relating to freezing injunctions and receivership over assets worth more than HKD 800 million (2017-2018).
• Acted for Museum director defending allegations of dishonesty and third party disclosure proceedings relating to sale of artworks and alleged commission (2017-2019).
• Acting for respondent to enforcement proceedings relating to Indian arbitration award, responding to world-wide freezing injunction wrongly granted by DIFC Court and subsequently removed by consent (2016-2017).
• Eclipse Film Partners (No. 35) v HMRC [2016] 1 WLR 1939 sole counsel for HMRC in Supreme Court on question of statutory interpretation and tribunal rules; [2015] EWCA Civ 95 in successful challenges to film finance and tax avoidance schemes (with Malcolm Gammie KC and Rebecca Murray).
• Hirco plc v Hiranandani et al (Isle of Man High Court; Staff of Govt Division) acting on behalf of defendant former Chairman defending allegations of fraud and negligence in relation to AIM company’s foreign investments (with Richard Salter KC, 2016).
• A v B (QBD) acting on behalf of leading global power company defending claims related to alleged frauds by agent (with Ewan McQuater KC, settled 2014).
• Stokors and ors v IG Markets Ltd [2013] EWHC 631 (Comm); [2012] EWCA Civ 1706 Acted on behalf of claimant investors in claim for dishonest assistance and knowing receipt against CFD provider (with Jonathan Nash KC, Commercial Court).
• Acting on behalf of investment fund in dispute over South Asian power plant involving Cayman and Singaporean parties; acting with New York and Singapore counsel; SIAC arbitration rules, Singapore seat (2011).
• Honua Securities and ors v SMI Hyundai Corp and ors (US District Court, Virginia) – advised plaintiff investor on dispute relating to a bond issue, fraudulent misrepresentation and provided expert evidence on the interpretation of bond and guarantee provisions. Damages of c. USD100m awarded at trial (2011).
• Towler v Wills [2010] EWHC 1209 (Comm). Acted for defendant former company director and shareholder in successful strike out of £2.5 million claim alleging dishonest concealment of conflicts of interest and breaches of shareholder agreement. Alternative ground for strike out was that majority of claims were for reflective loss.
• EMDA Business Holdings and ors v GEV Offshore Ltd and ors. (Commercial Ct 2010). Acting on behalf of claimant Swiss and BVI companies in action for damages and equitable compensation arising out of alleged misappropriation of company monies, breaches of fiduciary duty by former directors, dishonest assistance, knowing receipt and passing off (with Paul Lowenstein KC).
• Acted on behalf of claimant multinational pharmaceutical companies in two arbitrations involving UK, Swedish and Bulgarian parties; issues included breach of contract, alleged bribery, commercial agency, standards of proof in international arbitration; BCCI arbitration rules, Bulgaria seat (with Jonathan Nash KC, 2007-09).
• MODSAF v FAZ Aviation and Anor [2008] 1 All ER (Comm) 372. Acted for a foreign government in multi-jurisdictional claim against an aviation company and its director concerning a substantial alleged procurement fraud involving issues of bribery and domestic jurisdiction under EC Regulation 44/2001. Issues also included effect of UN sanctions, domestic law implementation of UN regime and the relationship between civil actions and criminal restraint orders (with David Quest).
• Bank of Cyprus v Ilyas 2008). Obtained freezing injunction on behalf of bank against company director in respect of misappropriated loan monies.
• SecTrack NV v Satamatics Ltd and Anor [2007] EWHC 3003 (Comm). Acted for Belgian satellite telematics distributor in an action to prevent misuse of confidential information; obtained “springboard” injunction and other orders for preservation of evidence, delivery up and imaging of computers. Claim involved alleged breaches of confidence and dishonest assistance (with Paul Lowenstein, settled before trial).
• National Grid plc v McKenzie and Ors (Ch D 2006). Acted for claimant in obtaining search and freezing orders in relation to bribery and fraud claims (part of counsel team with Andrew Onslow KC).
• Cable & Wireless and Pender v Valentine and Ors (Comm Ct 2006). Acted on behalf of joint administrators of Guernsey insurance company defending dishonest assistance and proprietary claims in an alleged reinsurance fraud (with Richard Salter KC, settled 12 weeks into trial).
• Simply Loans v Wood and Ors [2006] EWHC 805 (Ch). Acted on behalf of a company director defending allegations of breach of fiduciary duty and proprietary claims; obtained variations to freezing orders in relation to legal costs and sale of property.

Rajesh deals with a broad range of commercial disputes including the sale of goods and financial instruments, claims for breach of warranty and misrepresentation following sale of businesses or plant, break up of joint venture and shareholder disputes, commercial agency, media, internet and telecommunications disputes and insurance. A number of recent instructions arise out of failed M&A transactions, leading to claims in fraud and for breach of warranty. Rajesh has also represented the purchasers of high-value art and their agents in the context of third party disclosure and related proceedings.

Rajesh is instructed as lead advocate and as part of a team in applications and heavy trials. He has particular experience of disputes involving expert business valuations and allegations of negligence and is well used to dealing with expert issues in a variety of sectors.

Chambers 2026 notes Rajesh is “Smooth, experienced, well prepared and easy to get on with.”, “…smooth yet forceful in his advocacy. He brings a very commercial and forensic approach to his work and a keen eye for detail.”, “Rajesh marshals his team very well. He is also commercial in his approach and has a forensic eye for detail.”

Legal 500 2026 describes Rajesh as “Responsive, commercial, user-friendly. Graceful and persuasive style without pomposity.”

Examples of current and recent work include:

• Acting for Republic of Argentina defending enforcement proceedings for USD 17bn relating to the expropriation of YPF (Petersen Energia Inversora SAU v The Republic of Argentina – various references in multiple jurisdictions).
• Acting for the world’s largest chemicals producer in dispute over multi-jurisdictional arbitration and litigation proceedings and antisuit injunction (Comm Ct 2025).
• Advising US/ UK conglomerate on warranty claims relating to acquisition of UK and Chinese subsidiaries (Comm Ct 2024).
• Acting for US private equity fund in dispute over financing of aviation leases (Comm Ct 2024).
• Acting for leading European technology company in dispute over software (Comm Ct 2024).
• Acting for European manufacturer in dispute with UK government over manufacture of lateral flow tests (Comm Ct 2024).
• Acting for Verizon companies in dispute over alleged product development (Comm Ct 2023).
• Triumph Controls UK Ltd v Primus International and ors [2020] EWCA Civ 1228; [2019] EWHC 565 (TCC); [2019] EWHC 2216 (TCC); [2018] EWHC 176 (TCC) Acting for US purchasers of aerospace industries companies in the UK and Thailand, brought successful claim for breach of share purchase warranties and also won on appeal (with Nathaniel Bird).
• ICTSI v Government of Sudan [2021] EWHC 1391 (Comm) – Acting for port operator in €410m claim against a state over funding for Red Sea port facilities (Comm Ct).
• Advised licensor in dispute with broadcaster over European football rights (2020).
• Atlas Residential v Greengate SARL [2020] EWHC 366 (Comm); [2019] EWHC 2788 (Comm) Acted for US and UK asset management companies in dispute over termination of agreements (with David Quest KC and Ravi Jackson).
• Senna v Henderson & ors [2021] EWHC 453 (QB); [2020] EWHC 3345 (QB) Acted for company and directors in successful strike-out of claims for economic torts and fraud, also obtained civil restraint order (with Ian Higgins).
• Acting for Romanian entities defending claim for breach of warranty in sale of software and related services businesses (Comm Ct 2019).
• Acting for Serbian companies defending claim for breach of warranty in high-value commercial real estate deal (arbitration 2019).
• Acting for UK banking group in €100m claim for recoveries arising out of the largest M&A transaction of recent times, involving the merger of four banking groups (with Jonathan Davies-Jones KC, arbitration) (2017).
• Acting for director of HK listed company in relation to litigation in BVI, Ontario and PRC relating to freezing injunctions and receivership over assets worth more than HKD 800 million (2017-18).
• Acting for renewable energy company in dispute over breach of share purchase warranties (ongoing).
• Acted for Museum director and art consultancies defending allegations of dishonesty and third party disclosure proceedings relating to sale of artwork and alleged commission (2017).
• Acted for purchasers of one of the most expensive artworks ever sold in dispute over acquisition and transfer of title (2016).
• Globe Motors Inc. and another v TRW Lucas Varity Electrics Steering Ltd [2016] EWCA Civ 296; [2014] EWHC 3718 (Comm) Acted on behalf of the successful claimant, a major US automotive parts manufacturer, at 10 week trial in dispute with its UK customer arising out of the termination of an exclusive supply agreement, involving contractual and tort claims and on appeal. Leading decision analysing contractual variations and interpretation of long-term contracts (with Paul Lowenstein KC).
• A v B (QBD) acting on behalf of leading global power company defending claims related to alleged frauds by agent (with Ewan McQuater KC, settled 2014).
• Stokors and ors v IG Markets Ltd [2013] EWHC 631 (Comm); [2012] EWCA Civ 1706 Acted on behalf of claimant investors in claim for dishonest assistance and knowing receipt against CFD provider (with Jonathan Nash KC, Commercial Court).
• Clydesdale Financial Services and ors v Smailes, Jiva Solicitors LLP and ors. (Ch D; David Richards J, 2010) Acted on behalf of claimant funders to recover security under complex litigation funding arrangements following sale of solicitors practices. Defendants included former administrators and solicitors firms in liquidation; issues include validity of assignments, tracing and priority of securities (settled with Jonathan Mark Phillips).
• GMAC-RFC v Watson & Brown and Connells (London Mercantile Court – acting in managed litigation of fifty claims for conveyancing negligence and breach of fiduciary duty against solicitors and for valuation negligence against valuers (with Paul Lowenstein KC, 2009-2010).
• Advising London investment fund and fund manager on dispute arising out of structured notes issued by a foreign government (2009).
• Acted on behalf of BVI company defending claim for USD5 million under alleged loan agreement in respect of Zimbabwean gold mining interests (Commercial Ct 2009).
• IFE Fund SA v Goldman Sachs International (2007) 1 Lloyd’s Rep 264 (Comm Ct; Toulson J); (2007) 2 Lloyd’s Rep 449 (CA) – acted at trial and on appeal on behalf of investment fund in claim against arranger of syndicated loan facility for negligent misrepresentation and non-disclosure (with Jonathan Nash KC).
• Post Scriptum Ltd v Dar Al Watan KSC (QBD; Field J); (LTL 19/11/07) – sole advocate at trial on behalf of defendant Kuwaiti publishing company in a dispute over alleged breaches of contractual and agency/fiduciary duties arising out of an international distribution agreement.
• Rajesh also acts in a range of insurance-related disputes. (Comm Ct 2009).
• In Munich Re and ors v Hutchison 3G (Comm Ct 2009) Rajesh acted on behalf of H3G in ongoing dispute over alleged prejudicing of insurers’ subrogated rights (with Andrew Fletcher KC).
• In Cable & Wireless and Pender v Valentine and Ors (Comm Ct; Gloster J 2005-06) he acted on behalf of joint administrators of a Guernsey insurance company defending dishonest assistance and proprietary claims in an alleged reinsurance fraud (with Richard Salter KC, settled 12 weeks into trial).
• His experience extends to copyright matters and litigation to recover royalties in a variety of disputes in the entertainment and media field, involving parties ranging from recording artists to videogame publishers. Particular interest in the field of computer and internet based gaming disputes.
• In Winwood v Blackwell (Ch D) Rajesh acted on interim applications for defendant on claim for monies for alleged shareholding following sale of Island Records (with Andrew Sutcliffe KC, 2009).
• In Crave Entertainment Ltd v Play It and Ors (Ch D), he acted on behalf of a US video game publisher in dispute over copyright and licensing issues (with Paul Lowenstein, 2006-2007).

Rajesh advises on a variety of company law issues, especially in relation to directors’ duties, boardroom disputes and advising shareholders over shareholder agreements and unfair prejudice actions.

Current and recent work includes:

• Claim against former senior officer of international business regarding fraud and breaches of obligations (Comm Ct and ADGM).
• Advising purchaser of business on potential claims against former directors (Comm Ct 2022-23).
• Acting for former directors defending claims by liquidator alleging unlawful distributions, breach of fiduciary duty and accessory liability, (2020) (Ch D).
• Acting for director of HK listed company in relation to litigation in BVI, Ontario and PRC relating to freezing injunctions and receivership over assets worth more than HKD 800 million (2017-2018).
• Advising shareholder of BVI company in shareholder dispute, responding to petitions for unfair prejudice and equitable winding up (2015).
• Advising on claims for breach of directors’ duties and alleged fraud in shareholder disputes (with Richard Salter KC, 2012-2016).
• Towler v Wills [2010] EWHC 1209 (Comm) (Teare J). Acted for defendant former company director and shareholder in successful strike out of £2.5 million claim alleging dishonest concealment of conflicts of interest and breaches of shareholder agreement. Alternative ground for strike out was that majority of claims were for reflective loss.
• Acting for majority shareholders defending s.994 (unfair prejudice) proceedings (Ch D; settled 2009).
• Advised international IT infrastructure company on disputes, directors’ duties and conflicts of interest arising out of TfL shareholder agreements (2008).
• Advising generally in relation to shareholder agreements and potential actions against majority shareholders (2008).
• Stone v X Ltd (Ch D) – instructed on behalf of company and directors responding to s459 petition (former unfair prejudice provisions) and questions relating to corporate governance and share valuations (2004-06).

Rajesh has experience of the multi-jurisdictional and conflicts of law issues that often arise in disputes involving international parties, examples are:

• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank v Shetty & Ors [2022] EWHC 529 (Comm); [2020] EWHC 3423 (Comm).
• Manek v 360 One WAM [2023] EWHC 710 (Comm). Acted for Indian, Singaporean and Mauritian financial businesses in dispute over alleged fraudulent share sale, questions over joinder and limitation.
• ICTSI Middle East DMCC v The Government of the Republic of Sudan [2021] EWHC 1391 (Comm); [2021] EWHC 541 (Comm). Acted for port operator in dispute against a state over funding for Red Sea port facilities (2019 Comm Ct).
• Piraeus Bank v Grand Anemi and ors [2021] EWHC 327 (Comm); [2019] EWHC 2489 (Comm). Acted for Greek bank in €85m claim on loan and security arrangements against shipping conglomerate, dealing with asymmetric jurisdiction clauses and the Brussels (Recast) Regulation, defendants in different jurisdictions, service agent resignation (Comm Ct).
• Acted for director of HK listed company in relation to litigation in BVI, Ontario and PRC involving jurisdictional challenges over matrimonial assets (2017-2018).
• Hirco plc v Hiranandani et al (Isle of Man High Court; Staff of Govt Division) acted in jurisdiction challenges in the Isle of Man on behalf of defendant former Chairman defending allegations of fraud and negligence in relation to AIM company’s foreign investments (with Richard Salter KC, 2015-2017).
• Acted on behalf of claimant mining company resisting s9 Arbitration Act 1996 application for stay (Comm Ct 2012).
• International Consolidated Minerals Ltd and others v Precious Metal Capital Corporation (Comm Ct 2008) – advised and acted for the defendant international mining corporation to resist an anti-suit injunction relating to Canadian proceedings between these and other parties concerning the ownership of Peruvian mining rights (with Paul Lowenstein KC).
• MODSAF v FAZ Aviation and Anor [2008] 1 All ER (Comm) 372 (Langley J). Acted for a foreign government in multi-jurisdictional claim against an aviation company and its director concerning a substantial alleged procurement fraud involving issues of bribery and domestic jurisdiction under EC Regulation 44/2001. Issues also included effect of UN sanctions, domestic law implementation of UN regime and the relationship between civil actions and criminal restraint orders (with David Quest).
• NV v Satamatics Ltd and Anor [2007] EWHC 3003 (Comm) (Flaux J). Acted for Belgian satellite telematics distributor in an action to prevent misuse of confidential information; obtained “springboard” injunction and other orders for preservation of evidence, delivery up and imaging of computers. Claim involved alleged breaches of confidence and dishonest assistance (with Paul Lowenstein, settled before trial).
• Advised New York-based website owner on potential jurisdiction challenges to claim for transfer of website being brought in English courts (2008).

Rajesh has many years of experience acting in a wide range of commercial energy disputes and arbitrations, including energy contract disputes, oil and gas disputes and onshore and offshore infrastructure disputes. Legal 500 2026 notes that “Raj mixes smooth but forceful advocacy with a forensic eye for detail. He is great with clients and always has in mind the commercial objective.”

• Acting for state in USD 17bn dispute over state immunity arising from expropriation claims following takeover of leading domestic energy company (Comm Ct).
• Acted for Indian energy company in dispute regarding LNG re-gasification unit and project on West Coast of India, ICC rules, London.
• Acted for Indian oil trader in dispute over financing and allegations of fraud (DIFC Court and Court of Appeal).
• Acted for Indian power company in dispute over solar power infrastructure product supply from China; SIAC rules, Singapore seat.
• Acted for BVI mining company in USD multi-million dispute with Central Asian oligarchs, Comm Ct.
• Acted for Middle Eastern company in claim for commission in relation to energy contracts in Iraq; ICC Rules, London.
• Acted for renewable energy company in dispute over breach of share purchase warranties.
• A v B (QBD) acted on behalf of leading global power company defending claims related to alleged frauds by agent (Comm Ct with Ewan McQuater KC).

Rajesh advises on interpretation of complex structured finance documentation for the purpose of restructuring proposals and also for related disputes, including over bondholder issues. Rajesh also carries out regular corporate and personal insolvency work in the High Court on behalf of creditors and respondent companies. Acts for and against liquidators, administrators and receivers. Personal insolvency work includes acting for trustees in bankruptcy with a focus on asset recovery and disputes relating to trusts and beneficial interests.

Current and recent restructuring and insolvency work includes:

• Acting for former directors defending claims by liquidator alleging unlawful distributions, breach of fiduciary duty and accessory liability, (2020) (Ch D).
• Advising leading Indian bank on enforcement options in the context of USD4bn restructuring of a conglomerate’s debts (with Jonathan Nash KC, 2017).
• Advising on just and equitable winding up and potential exit strategies in shareholder disputes over BVI entities (with Richard Salter KC, 2016).
• Advising on voting rights and share purchase in the context of a corporate restructuring (2013).
• Advising on the restructuring of the debts of a European conglomerate (with Ewan McQuater KC, 2011).
• Advised on the interpretation of unilateral amendment and related provisions in bond conditions further to a dispute over mandatory convertible securities (with Ewan McQuater KC, 2011).
• Hobbs v Gibson and Tailby [2010] EWHC 3676. Acted on behalf of defendant liquidators in application to remove.
• Advising the Office of Fair Trading on insolvency issues relating to competition proceedings (2010).
• Clydesdale Financial Services and ors v Smailes, Jiva Solicitors LLP and ors. (Ch D, 2010) Acted on behalf of claimant funders to recover security under complex litigation funding arrangements following sale of solicitors practices. Defendants included former administrators and solicitors firms in liquidation; issues include validity of assignments, tracing and priority of securities (settled with Jonathan Mark Phillips).
• Acted for company in injunction proceedings to restrain exercise of administrators’ powers where creditor’s right to appoint following event of default was disputed (Ch D, 2008).
• Acted for liquidator in claim to recover monies from vendors of company under share sale agreement (QBD; settled 2009).
• Advised European bank on partnership and related insolvency issues arising out of the dissolution of a London law firm (2008).
• Advised administrators of property company in relation to breaches of contract and claims for specific performance (2008).
• Advised German company on claim against English administrators further to retention of title clauses (2008).
• Hill v RFS Limited [2006] All ER (D) 227 (Nov) (Ch D). Acted for creditor finance company in appeal from application to dismiss statutory demand.

Deals with a variety of negligence actions, with a particular focus on advice in relation to financial instruments (including FSMA issues) and other investments, solicitors and valuers’/surveyors’ negligence. A number of Rajesh’s commercial and banking cases involve expert evidence as to share and business valuation and income forecasting and mean that Rajesh regularly works with leading experts both in the UK and internationally.

Examples of current and recent work include:

• Triumph Controls UK Ltd v Primus International and ors [2018] EWHC 176 (TCC); [2019] EWHC 565 (TCC); [2019] EWHC 2216 (TCC) Acting for US purchasers of aerospace industries companies in the UK and Thailand, brought successful claim for failure to prepare careful forecasts (with Nathaniel Bird).
• Acted on behalf of individual in claim over negligent investment of pension fund, issues include damages under FSMA s.150, breach of advisory agreement and duty of care, breach of fiduciary duty (settled 2014).
• Advice on potential claims against corporate finance, legal and accountancy advisors in relation to investment in foreign public services company (2014).
• Acting for financial services advisory company on contribution claims arising out of the alleged misselling of investment products (ongoing).
• GMAC-RFC v Watson & Brown and Connells (London Mercantile Court). Acted in managed litigation of fifty claims for conveyancing negligence and breach of fiduciary duty against solicitors and for valuation negligence against valuers (with Paul Lowenstein KC, 2009-10).
• IFE Fund SA v Goldman Sachs International (2007) 1 Lloyd’s Rep 264; (2007) 2 Lloyd’s Rep 449 (CA). Acted at trial and on appeal on behalf of investment fund in claim against arranger of syndicated loan facility for negligent misrepresentation and non-disclosure (with Jonathan Nash KC).
• Munich Re and ors v Hutchison 3G (Commercial Ct 2009). Acted on behalf of H3G in ongoing dispute over alleged prejudicing of insurers’ subrogated rights (with Andrew Fletcher KC: 2009-10).
• Acted for and advised insurers and insureds in a range of matters including fraudulent claims/ use of fraudulent devices and repudiation of policies (2007).

Over the last few years Rajesh has advised on a variety of issues relevant to the purchase and recovery of art by private transfer and auction. Legal 500 noted in this context in 2026 that “Rajesh is an excellent advocate.” In 2024 it stated that Rajesh is “A very bright and engaging advocate who is particularly strong on his feet. Great on the written and advisory side too.” Clients include a well-known auction house, a museum based in the Middle East, art buyers, a museum director and art consultancies.

• Acted for leading global auction house dealing with letters of request for documents and deposition evidence in relation to US proceedings (2020).
• Acted for leading global auction house on disclosure issues and confidentiality relating to attribution and sale of a work (2017).
• Acted for Museum director and art consultancies defending allegations of dishonesty and third party disclosure proceedings relating to sale of a work and alleged commission (2017).
• Acted for buyer of one of the most expensive works ever sold in dispute over acquisition and transfer of title (2016).

• Conversational French
• Sinhala