Rishi was appointed silk in 2023, after 5 years at the Victorian Bar. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2006 and has been in practice ever since.
Since 2011, Rishi has been recognised in the criminal directories in either the Australia and/or the UK as leading counsel. In 2023, he was recognised as Preeminent Junior Counsel for Victoria and Leading Junior Counsel for Australia in Doyles Guides of 2023. Although only in silk since October 2023, he is currently recognised as a leading silk for Victoria in the current 2024 Doyles Guide for Victoria.
Rishi is an experienced barrister from London who practised at the Bar of England & Wales for over 11 years (2006 – 2017) prior to arriving in Victoria.
Rishi’s busy practice has involved serious criminal offending, regulatory offences & proceeds of crime/confiscation. Rishi’s regular diet of work relates to the most serious and high profile matters. These include allegations of murder, terrorism, organised crime offences, significant drug importations, historic child sexual abuse of children. Furthermore, Rishi is routinely instructed in white collar crime matters and associated regulatory matters. He is instructed to advise NHW individuals prior to potential charges and if charged, instructed to represent them.
Rishi regularly advises and appears in the appellate jurisdiction.
Rishi also appears in Coronial Inquests and Public Inquiries. These including acting for Lawyer X (Nicola Gobbo) at the Royal Commission and the Aunty Donna Nelson at the Inquest into the death of her daughter, Veronica Nelson.
He has also assisted the Department of Justice in introducing and training intermediaries to the Criminal Justice System.
Recent notable cases include:
- DPP v DCT [2024], Supreme Court – Baby shaking, leading Lucinda Thies.
- DPP v Barbaro [2023], Supreme Court – Murder, leading Felicity Fox.
- DPP v Pallant [2022-2023], Supreme Court – Murder of a child, Leading Felicity Fox.
- DPP v BS [2023], Supreme Court – Historic Murder allegation, leading Grace Morgan.
- DPP (Cth) v Saad [ongoing], – largest ever evasion of duty case in Australian.
- DPP v Wang & Ors [ongoing] – money laundering.
Rishi’s practice in Victoria has mirrored his practice in the UK, where Rishi was routinely instructed in the most serious cases. He is accustomed to high profile matters having appeared in them for most of his career. A list of the cases he was instructed in the UK is enclosed.
Rishi is a trial barrister who particularly enjoys the tactics involved in the trial process. He is often instructed in cases involving complex evidential matters such as DNA identification. Rishi is particularly known for his client care and meticulous preparation of matters.
Rishi is a proud member of the Victorian Bar. Rishi is on the Victoria Legal Aid Preferred Trial Counsel List and holds an Indictable Crimes Certificate (ICC) from the Victorian Bar.
Rishi has been elected as a member of the Victorian Bar Council from 2022-2024. He has also been a member of Counsel Committee during that period.
He is a member of the Bar Exam Committee.
Rishi is also a member of Parnell’s List Committee.
What the Directories Say:
“Intellectually razor sharp” – Legal 500: UK Bar, 2016
“A first-class junior, who is very tactically astute, hardworking and effective.” – Legal 500: UK Bar, 2017
“A go-to barrister in high demand from many top-calibre solicitors.” – Legal 500: UK Bar, 2018
“Has an excellent knowledge of the law and when he’s on his feet he is an iron fist in a velvet glove.” – Chambers and Partners, The UK Bar, 2020
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
