Nilay Shastry
Nilay has over twenty years’ experience as an advocate, first qualifying as an attorney in New York, then as a solicitor and finally qualifying as a barrister.
Nilay began his legal career working as a judicial clerk for the Hon. Christopher Dietz, Superior Court Judge, Union County, New Jersey, USA.
Nilay’s attention to detail and strategic approach makes him perfectly suited for complex matters. His oral advocacy, as well as his written work, is powerful and comprehensive, such that it makes it easy for the court to understand how the relevant facts support the legal argument.
His previous experience as a solicitor and attorney has given him the unique experience to explain the proceedings in language that an anxious lay client will understand. Nilay’s experience as a solicitor and attorney gives him the ability to assist clients in the most delicate and sensitive manner. This experience has given him the ability to put the client at ease in the tense environment of a courtroom.
The Ministry of Justice regularly instructs Nilay, who is a Qualified Legal Representative (“QLR”) to cross-examine victims of domestic abuse on behalf of the alleged perpetrators.
Family
Nilay has extensive experience in all aspects of family law. Nilay receives instructions under the Children Act, Matrimonial Causes Act, and the Family Law Act.
He has dealt with cases involving allegations of coercive and controlling behaviour, sexual abuse, and financial abuse under the Children Act and the Family Law Act.
Private Law Children
Nilay accepts instructions on behalf of applicants and respondents under the Children Act 1989. Nilay is regularly instructed in cases where alienation and domestic abuse have been raised.
Public Law
Nilay takes instructions on behalf of local authorities, parents, intervenors, and guardians. Nilay represents clients from the initial ICO hearing to the Final Hearing.
Nilay has represented vulnerable parents (e.g. parents with learning difficulties). Nilay has experience in cases relating to Interim Care Orders, Supervision Orders, Special Guardianship Orders, and Adoption Orders.
Nilay has successfully represented clients where aging of scars has been relevant in determining whether the children were abused in the UK or in a jurisdiction where chastisement is accepted. In these instances, a specialist paediatrician is instructed to determine this issue.
Financial Proceedings
Nilay has experience representing applicants and respondents in all aspects of Financial Arrangement Order applications, whether they arise from Section 1 of the Children Act (1989) or the Matrimonial Causes Act (1973).
Injunctions
Nilay has represented applicants and respondents in Non-Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and Occupation Orders.
Personal Injury
Nilay accepts instructions on behalf of claimants and defendants in credit hire claims, RTAs and personal injury cases. Nilay is instructed in small claims and fast-track claims.
Nilay is well-versed in cases where Fundamental Dishonesty is an issue.
Nilay takes instructions in fast-track matters in whiplash cases for an agreed fee.
QLR
After taking an intensive training program, Nilay became an accredited Qualified Legal Representative (QLR). As a QLR, Nilay is instructed regularly by the Ministry of Justice to cross-examine vulnerable witnesses in family matters and civil matters.
Nilay’s role, as a QLR in domestic violence cases, he will assist the court by cross-examining the alleged victim on behalf of the alleged perpetrator.
Public Access
Nilay takes instructions on a direct access basis.
Languages
Fluent in Gujarati
