• Office
  • 1 Amphora Place
  • Sheepen Road
  • Colchester
  • Essex
  • CO3 3WG
  • Tel: 01206 217300

Tej Thakkar

Senior Associate, Head of Regulatory

I am a Solicitor and the Head of Regulatory at Birkett Long. I am based in our Colchester office and can be contacted directly on 01206 217312. If you require assistance during out of office hours, then I can be contacted on 07710 396483.

How does your team add value to your clients?

The Regulatory practice offers a fully rounded service. If you are faced with any such issue, then we recommend you contact us at the earliest opportunity to properly manage the process. 

In some instances, our early intervention has prevented an initial investigation from advancing to formal action, charge and or proceedings. We are here to help clients through each and every stage of the process, from start to finish.

Why your clients choose you?

I have a wealth of experience and exposure to a diverse blend or work, in a multitude of sectors, across the broad spectrum of regulatory and criminal matters. I have consistently been instructed to act for a number of body corporates and individuals who are suspected of contraventions whereby such allegations attract criminal liability and or have the potential to cause significant ramifications in both their personal and professional capacity. 

I fully appreciate that anyone who is confronted with Regulatory or Criminal issues are likely to find the situation distressing, daunting and overwhelming. I never underestimate the impact this can cause. I provide a culmination of a professional and personal service to ensure clients will always fully understand the position and their respective options to allow them to make any informed decisions as to how they wish to progress the matter. 

To that end, I always aim to provide my clients with proactive advice and representation throughout the entire process in a clear, pragmatic and astute way to secure the best possible outcome akin to their prioritised objectives. I have gained recognition through local press and former client testimonials as well as being recognised by legal publications as a ‘rising star’ and ‘next generation lawyer’. 

Key responsibilities

I am the Head of Regulatory. My ability to conduct work across a full range of the regulatory and criminal defence sphere has resulted in my appointment to implement the practice. As a result, Birkett Long will be well placed to service existing clients and attract prospective clients requiring expertise across the broad spectrum of regulatory issues and or where allegations are made attracting criminal liability. The substantial areas of work undertaken by the Regulatory practice are: 

Sector specialisms and special experience

My positive reputation as a solicitor in my field of expertise has precipitated invitations from regulatory bodies such as the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, to provide training seminars.

Hobbies and Interests

My significant interest away from work is centred around an array of sports. In particular, I have played rugby, football and tennis to a good standard. However, unfortunately, I have endured various injuries in recent years, resulting in my enjoyment in the sports coming from the sidelines. I have a two-year-old daughter and my weekends are frequently occupied entertaining her or finding her new adventures to explore in and around Norfolk.

I previously underwent charitable cycle rides. In the near future, I am keen to pursue further charitable runs or cycling events. I would also be keen to explore opportunities to assist those from less privileged backgrounds in securing job opportunities perhaps in some form of a mentoring role to assist with application, interviews and alike.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS:

  • Qualified as a Solicitor in 2014

The Legal 500 – The Clients Guide to Law Firms

What our clients say

  • Thank you again for all your help I'm very pleased with the outcome, your service was spot on very professional highly recommended.
  • I have nothing but good things to say about you. I feel the case was handled very well and you were able to put my mind at ease and handled the various aspects in an extremely professional and courteous manner.
  • I am very happy with the service I received from Tej Thakkar. It is obvious he is very knowledgeable in his profession and was able to answer any questions I had about my case. He was always on hand to speak to via email or telephone and was extremely thorough throughout. Tej is very approachable and I felt at ease knowing he was there to support me during this difficult time. In court, he negotiated terms which I was very happy with and so I am grateful for his service.
  • The team at Birkett Long has the required depth to be able to support transactions of all sizes and has the ability to turn around work to deadlines. Their collaboration with other advisers on the clients team provides confidence in their ability to be great team players and support the client at a stressful times. Legal 500, 2023
  • I wanted to convey my appreciation to you for the way in which you represented me in respect of the allegation of criminal damage, and your sheer professionalism throughout. In particular your representation and presentation of the facts to the court yesterday, which in my humble opinion were just brilliant. I think it is always going to be that a client is very happy when they are acquitted of an allegation being made against them, but its not always they see the real professional approach you gave, the attention to detail in the case was phenomenal. I actually felt that I was an observer of an event rather than the defendant in the trial, I mean that in a good way, as time went on I actually felt quite relaxed and confident as you unfolded and the circumstances and exposed the real facts. I will of course write to Tracey Dickins separately, but please accept my heart felt appreciation for your representation, support and guidance, it was second to none.
  • The firm is incredibly professional, modern, forward thinking and caring. Induction was well organised and done in a way that made sure the training was not too overwhelming. Everyone here is very friendly and has gone out of their way to make me feel very welcome and included as part of the team.