5 St James Court > Port Louis, Mauritius > Firm Profile
5 St James Court Offices
ST DENIS STREET
PORT LOUIS 11411
Mauritius
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5 St James Court > The Legal 500 Rankings
Mauritius > Leading firms Tier 3
5 St James Court specialises in high-stakes litigation and international arbitration. The firm’s ‘dedicated and hard working individuals‘ include experienced litigator Ravindra Chetty SC and transactions expert Avinash Sunassee, who have both appeared in cases of national importance and in international arbitration which is an area of recent growth for the firm. A key client of Sunassee’s is the Mauritian national airline Air Mauritius.Practice head(s):
Ravindra Chetty; Avinash Sunassee
Other key lawyers:
Yashley Reesaul; Jayaluxmi Somar
Testimonials
‘The team is reliable. The driving force for us is Avinash Sunassee.’
‘Avinash Sunassee is one of the most outstanding lawyers that we have come across in Mauritius. He is a master of the English language as well as banking and financial law.’
‘Wide range of practice and experience.’
‘Proper follow up. Dedicated and hard working individuals. Yashley Reesaul provides to the point, precise and practical solutions.’
‘They are responsive and good communicators.’
‘They are in constant communication with our office and update the client on their progress.’
‘We have been working with Yashley Reesaul who is very proactive in meeting all our legal requirements and helps close issues quickly.’
Key clients
Bank of Mauritius
AfrAsia Bank Ltd
Banque Pictet & Cie SA
BCP Bank (Mauritius) Ltd
Habib Bank Ltd
HSBC (Mauritius)
MauBank Ltd
State Bank of India (SBI) Mauritius Ltd
SBM (Mauritius) Ltd
Trade Development Bank Africa (TDB)
Air Mauritius Ltd
Financial Services Commission
British High Commission
Australian High Commission
British Council
Professional Architects’ Council
Mauritius Investment Corporation (MIC)
State Trading Corporation
Central Electricity Board
Economic Development Board
Grant Thornton (Mauritius)
Mazars
Work highlights
- Represented Liquid Telecommunications in an application to resist the discharge of an injunction against a proposed corporate transaction.
- Supported State Trading Corporation (STC) in an application to set aside a provisional order obtained ex parte by Betamax Ltd.
- Supported Dynamic India Fund, SANNE Mauritius in a claim against them.
5 St James Court > Firm Profile
The set: 5 St James Court was set up in 2011, with Ravindra Chetty SC as head of chambers. It comprises rising and senior self-employed barristers, who can either be instructed individually or as part of a team. It has constantly been growing in size since its creation. Chambers is a predominantly civil and commercial set, with a strong banking and financial services practice. Members of chambers also advise on complex criminal litigation.
Areas of practice: Members of chambers undertake both transactional and litigation work. They regularly advise and act for a significant number of international banks, financial institutions and businesses. They also undertake international consultancy work. Members of chambers are involved in heavyweight litigation and sizable international arbitration claims. They act before all jurisdictions of the courts in Mauritius, including the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Over the past year, examples of some of the matters in which they have been involved include: international arbitration under the SIAC rules; the insolvency of a group of companies with assets estimated at over US$1bn in issue; litigation involving an investment fund with a claim of more than US$100m; a competition law claim of over US$30m; capital raise of US$500m for a telecommunications company operating in Africa; enquiry in relation to infrastructure projects in Mauritius worth more than US$150m; the restructuring of a local bank; and advising a foreign state in Africa on the restructuring of its financial services sector.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arbitration | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Arbitration | Avinash Sunassee | ||
| Banking and finance | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Banking and finance | Avinash Sunassee | ||
| Civil litigation | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Civil litigation | Vimalen Reddi | ||
| Commercial | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Commercial | Avinash Sunassee | ||
| Company and partnerships | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Company and partnerships | Avinash Sunassee | ||
| Construction and real estate | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Construction and real estate | Avinash Sunassee | ||
| Education | Vimalen Reddi | ||
| Employment | Vimalen Reddi | ||
| Employment | Yashley Reesaul | ||
| Energy | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Energy | Neeven Parsooramen | ||
| Environment | Vimalen Reddi | ||
| Environment | Neeven Parsooramen | ||
| Government and public | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Government and public | Vimalen Reddi | ||
| Insolvency and restructuring | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Insolvency and restructuring | Avinash Sunassee | ||
| Insurance and reinsurance | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Insurance and reinsurance | Avinash Sunassee | ||
| Intellectual property, media and IT | Yashley Reesaul | ||
| Intellectual property, media and IT | Vimalen Reddi | ||
| Public procurement | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Public procurement | Avinash Sunassee | ||
| Shipping | Vimalen Reddi | ||
| Shipping | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Tax | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Tax | Neeven Parsooramen | ||
| Trusts | Ravindra Chetty SC | ||
| Trusts | Avinash Sunassee |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ravindra Chetty | Ravindra Chetty SC is a Silk with over 30 years’ experience as… | View Profile |
 | Avinash Sunassee | Avinash’s current practice involves litigation work, advice and consultancy. He is involved in ‘heavy… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 12Languages
English French HindiMemberships
GlobalawClient Testimonials
CLIENT: Mr Ken Poonoosamy, CEO – Economic Development Board (EDB)
COMPANY/FIRM: Economic Development Board (EDB)
TESTIMONIAL:
Me Ravindra Chetty has always provided the EDB with key legal support and advice to ensure that the interests of the EDB are always safeguarded and protected. The legal opinions tendered to the EDB have always be clear, concise and extremely well researched and documented. He has represented the EDB in law suits and the Board and Management have been highly impressed by mastery of all legal issues and the highest level of professionalism and integrity displayed. We are very satisfied with the level of service that ME Ravindra Chetty and his legal staff have provided to us.
CLIENT: Mrs Ashiti Prosand, Head of Legal and Company Secretary – HSBC Bank (Mauritius) Ltd
COMPANY/FIRM: HSBC Bank (Mauritius) Ltd
TESTIMONIAL:
The law firm 5 St James Court (‘Firm’), led by Me. Ravindra Chetty has been providing its legal services to HSBC in Mauritius for several years and at HSBC, we really value the advice and other legal services received from the Firm. The output from this Firm is prompt, to the point and solution oriented to any legal hurdle we may face at HSBC. The lawyers of the Firm are top of the notch professionals whose professionalism is recognised not only locally but across the other jurisdictions of HSBC with whom they have been directly working with or where their advice has been shared with. Our view is that the Firm is well deserving of receiving the title of ‘a leading law firm’ by Legal 500.
CLIENT: Naila Hanoomanjee, C.E.O Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd
COMPANY/FIRM: Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd
TESTIMONIAL:
5 St James Court have been providing legal advisory services to Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd. since 2017. The service provided is nothing short of outstanding. We work mainly with Ravindra Chetty, SC. We have sought advice on a range of issues and Ravindra has always been approachable, knowledgeable, hands-on and practical. He is always quick to respond to our queries and provide solutions and fees are very reasonable! We also work with other members of the team who are as professional and dedicated. I have no qualms whatsover in recommending them as a law firm
CLIENT: Mr Conrad Colimalay, Company Secretary and Senior Executive Legal & Corporate Affairs, Mauritius Telecom
COMPANY/FIRM: Mauritius Telecom
TESTIMONIAL:
I am pleased, on behalf of Mauritius Telecom Ltd, to support Mr Ravindra Chetty, Senior Counsel, of 5 St James Court, to be ranked as a leading firm by Legal 500. Mauritius Telecom Ltd is a major telecommunications and information technology services provider in Mauritius, and we have relied on the services of Mr Chetty’s Chambers for litigation and advice in several areas of the law. Mr Chetty has appeared for Mauritius Telecom Ltd recently in a major case relating to competition where an appeal has successfully been judged in favour of Mauritius Telecom Ltd.
CLIENT: Yovich Chineah – Manager Legal & Compliance, SBI (Mauritius) Ltd
COMPANY/FIRM: SBI (Mauritius) Ltd
TESTIMONIAL:
5 St James Court is a model of integrity, professionalism, and class. As our business has grown and expanded over the years, they have been a consistent source of dependability and expertise. Me. R. Chetty Senior Counsel is one of the best Barrister-at-Law who understands the complex demands of the Banking Sector and our goals within it. We highly recommend 5 St James Court and their outstanding team.
CLIENT: Marco Rapaglia, CEO – GMG Trust Ltd
COMPANY/FIRM: GMG Trust Ltd
TESTIMONIAL:
We have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Avinash Sunassee for more than 10 years and have always been impressed by passion and commitment. Mr Sunassee’s expertise in varying fields of law, skills and professionalism are exceptional. He is one of those people who immediately come to mind when we need legal support. His technical abilities are exceeded only by his innate approach to problem-solving which brings results. We recommend his services, which thanks to him, we have the time and peace of mind to focus on what we do best at GMG.
CLIENT: Jennifer Jean-Louis – Executive Director and CFO
COMPANY/ FIRM: AfrAsia Bank Ltd
TESTIMONIAL:
5 St James Court is a great firm whose reputation precedes it. The firm comprises of a hardworking and tactically astute team who has been a very reliable business partner to the Bank since inception. With a down-to-earth approach, the solicitors and staffs have guided the Bank diligently in dealing with some challenging and complex cases. The Bank has also benefitted from the very experienced and committed hands-on Managing Partner who has assisted it in achieving positive outcomes. We remain confident that the Bank remains legally in good shape in the very capable hands of 5 St James Court team.
CLIENT: Air Mauritius (Administrators)
COMPANY/ FIRM: Clayton Utz
TESTIMONIAL: I am a restructuring partner of Australian law firm Clayton Utz. With the guidance of Avinash Sunassee, we structured what I understand to be the first ever creditors trust scheme in Mauritius as a wrap and exit from the deed of company arrangement negotiated between the company, proponent and creditors. I was impressed with the clarity of instruction, application and insight of Avinash into the complexities of a new structure, which he shepherded through necessary channels.
CLIENT: Veemarlen Poinoosawmy- Ag. Head of Legal
COMPANY/FIRM: MauBank Ltd
TESTIMONIAL: The Bank is working with the chambers of Me. Ravin Chetty for the past 7 years. The Bank is extremely satisfied with the service delivered by the counsels working within the chambers. I highly recommend them for their services. Very professional and prompt. Always there to answer any questions that arises. Very knowledgeable and meticulous counsels. They treated Bank cases without delay and with highest integrity. In a nutshell, the counsels are Fantastic! Knowledgeable and competent…A real pleasure to work with!
CLIENT: Loteswar Fangoo – Group Head Compliance and MLRO
COMPANY/FIRM: AfrAsia Bank Limited
TESTIMONIAL: I have known Mr Ravindra Chetty for more than 30 years and both 5 St James Court and Mr Ravindra Chetty SC have handled various cases and legal matters of AfrAsia Bank Ltd and my previous employer, SBI Mauritius Ltd. The bank has always received prompt support and advice from the Legal team. The firm is both professional and knowledgeable regarding banking and financial services matters and they provide sound, clear, and practical legal guidance, in a timely manner, to achieve the best outcome for their clients. 5 St James Court is one of the most reputable law firm in Mauritius and they continue to be our first choice for complex and important cases.
International capabilities
5 St James Court focuses on delivering legal solutions to business leaders, governments and private clients based in Mauritius and on the African continent, by taking a strategic approach that combines legal skills with in-depth understanding of commercial, diplomatic and political considerations. Leading partners, Ravindra Chetty Senior Counsel (SC) and Avinash Sunassee have extensive contentious and non-contentious experience with strong expertise in cross-border work, including banking and finance, insolvency, corporate finance and commercial matters.
Recently, Avinash Sunassee has assisted in resolving a USD 3 Billion litigation against a client against the Angolan State, the Swiss State and the Mauritian Government, including ancillary satellite litigation. In addition to an extensive local arbitration practice, Ravindra Chetty SC has been appointed as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)(Mauritius) and Avinash Sunassee has recently been appointed as an arbitrator by the LCIA Court.
Ravindra Chetty SC and junior barristers, Vimalen Reddi and Yashley Reesaul have appeared before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) in the following cases:
- Sugar Investment Trust v Jyoti Jeetun [2011] UKPC 47
- Beerjeeraz v Dabee [2012] UKPC 22
- Seetohul v Omni Projects Ltd [2015] UKPC 5
- State of Mauritius v CT Power Ltd & Ors [2019] UKPC 27
- Mauritius Shipping Corporation Ltd v Employment Relations Tribunal & Ors [2019] UKPC 42
- DPP v Jugnauth & Anor – [2019] UKPC 8
- Societe Alleck v IOIB – [2007] UKPC 87
Foreign firms with which 5 St James Court has worked in the past include: Signature LLP (UK), Advani & Co (Mumbai, India), Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP (Singapore), 3 Hare Court (UK), 20 Essex Street (UK), One Essex Court (UK), Matrix Chambers (UK), Linklaters (UK), Norton Rose Fulbright (South Africa), Allen & Overy (South Africa), White and Case (South Africa), Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (India), Grosvenor Law (UK), Clayton Utz (Australia), Frieh Associés (France), MGG Legal (France), Locke Lord (UK), RPC (UK), Clifford Chance (UK), Debevoise & Plimpton (UK), Quinn Emanuel Urquart & Sullivan (UK), Kirkland and Ellis, Morrison Foerster (UK).
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