Role: Regional Director & Head of Care (East Midlands)
Specialtity:
Location:
Leicester
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Chet Desai

Chet Desai child care solicitor

About Chet Desai

Chet is a seasoned legal professional specialising in representing children, parents, grandparents, and interveners in Care proceedings. With experience spanning over 25 years, he has successfully advocated for clients in various courts, including the Court of Appeal, High Court, County Court, and Magistrates Court.

Recognised by Chambers and Partners as a leading lawyer in his field, he has extensive experience across a broad spectrum of care proceedings, including cases involving neglect, substance misuse, domestic and sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, emotional harm, fabricated or induced illness, and child sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Chet's commitment to his clients is evident in his approach, ensuring they receive professional, friendly, and straightforward advice. As the Head of the East Midlands Care Department, he leads a dedicated team, providing clients with the assurance of sound legal guidance. Under his leadership, the department has experienced notable growth and development.

Recognised as an accredited member of the Law Society Children Panel since 2005, Chet holds a master's degree in law and actively contributes to the professional development of other Care lawyers through in-house training. His dedication to excellence has been acknowledged in the Chambers Legal Directory, where he was recognised as a Notable Practitioner in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Additionally, Chet has been featured as a Recommended Lawyer in the Legal 500 publications of 2017 and 2018. Chet takes pride in delivering advice devoid of technical jargon, ensuring his clients feel engaged, supported, and comfortable throughout the legal process. His friendly and helpful service, combined with his extensive legal knowledge, sets him apart as a leader in the field of Child Care law.

In his spare time, Chet enjoys travelling, theatre, eating out, cricket and is a "long-suffering" West Brom fan.

Specialisms

  • Chet has been recognised as a Notable Practitioner in the Chambers Legal Directory in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2026.

  • He has also featured in the Legal 500 publication of 2017 and 2018 as a Recommended Lawyer.

Notable Cases

  • A City Council v M & Others (2014) EWHC 3601(FAM) – Chet represented grandparents in care proceedings involving the death of a baby and the subsequent child protection proceedings.

  • A Local Authority v K & Others (2022) EWHC 2341 (Fam) – Chet represented father in care proceedings following removal of child at birth. Complex intersection of family, child protection, trafficking and international law with public interest immunity orders, separate open and closed hearings due to collateral police investigation of international trafficking rings.

  • Re D ( A Child ) ( 2018 ) – Chet represented a child in a sexual abuse trial lasting 5 days, with a number of victim coming forward to give evidence.

  • A Local Authority v SM and others  ( 2024 ) – Chet represented a mother in Care proceedings with corresponding criminal proceedings involving the sad  death of her baby and the subsequent child protection proceedings following the birth of her new baby. Matter was listed before the High Court and involved a number of Kings Counsel and experts , as well as press interest . Complex intersection of child protection and criminal law, including open and closed hearings and allegations of murder .

  • A Local Authority v SR, RR and Others ( 2021 ) – Chet represented a teenager involved in a national media case involving a gang related murder . Chet represented the young person through Cafcass in Secure Accommodation , Deprivation of Liberty and Care Order proceedings. Case involved a number of hearings before a Deputy High Court Judge and Chet conducted all of the advocacy . The Case was complex by virtue of the competing areas of law and the association with the criminal investigation and its press coverage.

Professional Qualifications and Memberships

Read what our clients have said about working with Chet:

  • Exceptional Support and Outstanding Service

    Review Solicitors (June 2026)I cannot thank Chet and Molly enough for their support throughout my case. From the very beginning, they were professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to achieving the best possible outcome. What impressed me most was their communication. They took complex legal matters and explained them in a clear, straightforward way that made the entire process much easier to understand. They were always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure I felt informed and supported at every stage. Their approach was proactive, flexible, and highly organised. It was clear throughout that they had a strong grasp of the legal issues involved and were always focused on moving matters forward efficiently and effectively. Chet’s expertise, together with Molly’s strategic advice and attention to detail, made an excellent team. Their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to their clients are second to none. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone requiring legal representation. Thank you both for your hard work, support, and excellent service.Anonymous

  • Excellent

    Trustpilot (October 2024)My issue has been very complex related to my children it involved safeguarding issues. At all times our lawyer Chet was on hand to help. He provided excellent clear communication and compassion throughout the proceedings. I would most certainly recommend Chet and Cartwright King.LD

  • Genuinely Cared

    Review Solicitors (February 2024)I highly recommend Cartwright King solicitors. My solicitor Chet Desai was there to support and guide me throughout the case from the very beginning until the very end. He was always there to give me advice and explain to me the proceedings throughout. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him, and he always got back to me promptly whenever I need to ask something about my case. He was very committed and genuinely cared, highly professional and did an amazing job. Thanks to him and his team I got a great outcome from court, and I am really happy with how it all turned out. I would also like to thank his colleagues Hafsa Miah for also being very supportive during the ongoing court hearings, Ben Mansfield who was my barrister and helped to also fight my case in court, and Jane Bacon. I can’t thank Chet and his team enough for what they have done for me I am very grateful and wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for them. Abbie

  • Great Results

    Review Solicitors (February 2024)Chet Desai represented me in a very personal case in regards to my daughter. Thanks to Chet and his team at Cartwright my case was solved the way I wanted it to with great results along with support and advice. I would highly recommend Chet. Many thanks.Yuvraj Zala

  • Chet Desai is amazing

    Trustpilot (November 2023)Chet Desai is amazing. Great support and advice. He even attended a meeting with me at very last minute. Highly recommendMeera Pala

Here to help. Contact Chet.

Chet and all the team at Cartwright King are dedicated to helping you. If you need help, contact Chet by email using this form.

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