Introduction
Mr Harjot Singh is a distinguished Solicitor Advocate and Director at Twinwood Law Practice, United Kingdom, and a dual-qualified international lawyer with extensive expertise spanning over decades across India and the UK. With specialisation in public international law and constitutional law, family law, employment law, commercial-civil litigation, immigration and asylum, Mr Singh has built a formidable reputation as a versatile legal professional.
Referred to by Society Magazine as a “legal hawk” at the young age of 28, following his successful defence in a high-profile Portugal extradition case, Mr Singh has since continued to appear in numerous landmark cases before the Supreme Court of India and various High Courts, many of which have been widely reported in national dailies. In the United Kingdom, he has consistently challenged public and immigration authorities, securing precedents that have been acknowledged in judicial reviews, tribunal matters, the Court of Appeal, and even the Supreme Court.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr Singh is widely admired for his commitment to access to justice and his mentorship of the next generation of lawyers.
1. To begin, kindly provide a background on your motivation for pursuing a career in law and the impact of your education at the University of Birmingham on your perspective as a legal professional?
My motivation to pursue a career in law was deeply influenced by my father, Dr Gurmit Singh, who, despite being a senior medical practitioner, always encouraged me to become a lawyer. He believed that the true delivery of justice the “last mile connectivity of justice” can only be achieved through lawyers who serve not merely for financial reward but with a genuine commitment to public service and social justice. His ideals instilled in me a sense of duty towards my motherland India to use the law as an instrument of fairness and equity, particularly for the most deprived sections of society.
My father himself was inspired by my grandfather, Sardar Darshan Singh, a distinguished advocate and former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), who also served as the President of the Shahjahanpur Bar Association for many years. Their legacies shaped my conviction that the practice of law carries not only professional prestige but also a profound social responsibility.
My education at the University of Lucknow and further at University of Birmingham, UK further strengthened this perspective. It provided me with a global outlook on international legal systems and reinforced my belief in the importance of ethics, integrity, and access to justice in the practice of law.
2. You are a dual-qualified international lawyer with experience in both India and the UK. How has working across two very different legal systems shaped your professional outlook?
Yes, being dual-qualified has been immensely beneficial in handling international matters. I have had the privilege of appearing before courts in both India and the United Kingdom over the past two decades, and this experience has significantly shaped my professional outlook.
I have been fortunate to appear in several significant cases that have advanced matters of public interest. Notably, I was involved in the Rwanda Policy case in the United Kingdom a constitutional case described as a once-in-a-generation matter due to its profound implications for human rights, constitutional law and immigration law.
In India, I equally had the privilege of appearing in a landmark case concerning the criminalisation of politics, in which the Supreme Court of India was petitioned regarding film actor Sanjay Dutt’s plea to contest the Lok Sabha elections. The Supreme Court ultimately rejected the application, a decision that was widely regarded as a strong affirmation of the principle that individuals with serious criminal convictions should not hold public office. This judgment was seen as a significant boost for those advocating for cleaner politics and greater accountability in public life.
This has come as a shot in the arm for the people who have been fighting against the criminalisation of politics.
Equally challenging were my appearances in landmark criminal cases in India, including advising Abu Salem in extradition and post-extradition proceedings, and acting in the acquittal of Babloo Srivastava in a major criminal case before the Delhi courts. Both matters were legally complex and carried significant public and international implications, making them defining moments in my professional experience.
India’s common law foundation provides a strong grounding in legal reasoning and precedent, which has proven invaluable in navigating complex legal issues. At the same time, practising in the UK one of the world’s leading centres for dispute resolution has exposed me to high standards of advocacy, procedural precision, and fact-based trial work.
This cross-jurisdictional experience enables me to advise clients in diverse areas such as commercial litigation, family law, and public law, often involving elements of both systems. Working within these two frameworks has enhanced my analytical skills, broadened my strategic perspective, and strengthened my ability to approach cases with both technical and practical insight.
3. You have been described by Society Magazine as a “legal hawk” for your role in defending a Portugal extradition case. How did that case influence your approach to law and advocacy?
Representing in Abu Salem’s for nearly two years was particularly formative. The case involved complex questions surrounding the enforcement of extradition orders and raised several novel legal issues relating to international cooperation in criminal justice. There was regularly media reporting. Engaging with these challenges deepened my understanding of the delicate balance between sovereign legal systems, due process, and human rights, and it refined my approach to advocacy emphasising meticulous preparation, clarity in argument, and respect for both domestic and international legal principles.
4. Having practised in India for 24 years and the UK for 20 years, what significant distinctions do you see between the two nations’ judicial systems, client expectations, and courtroom culture?
The United Kingdom hosts one of the largest and most sophisticated dispute resolution systems in the world. Within its jurisdiction, one can encounter a wide spectrum of matters from high-value international arbitrations to complex family disputes involving affluent parties, and commercial cases involving sums running into hundreds of millions of pounds.
The Commercial and Business Courts are equipped with cutting-edge technology and attract cases from across the globe, reflecting the UK’s status as a preferred forum for international litigation. Moreover, several matters from commonwealth jurisdictions continue to be appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, adding to the UK’s truly international legal character and experience.
The UK legal system is highly fact-driven, with a strong emphasis on case management. Courts actively exercise their case management powers to ensure that proceedings progress efficiently and within strict, time-bound directions. Non-compliance with these directions often attracts costs consequences, which instils a culture of discipline and preparedness among practitioners.
Hearings, trials, and appeals in the UK are typically time-limited and meticulously scheduled, requiring advocates to present their cases with precision and clarity. This has greatly enhanced my skills as an Advocate, particularly in managing evidence, structuring submissions, and maintaining focus on the key issues in dispute.
In contrast, the Indian system, while equally robust and grounded in the common law tradition, allows greater procedural flexibility, which can sometimes result in extended timelines. Nonetheless, it offers a broader scope for oral advocacy and creativity in argument, which remains one of its most compelling features.
India’s concept of public interest litigation (PIL) is truly pioneering and serves as a global example of how the judiciary can proactively step in to protect the most vulnerable sections of society. It reflects the dynamic role of the Indian courts in expanding access to justice and upholding constitutional rights beyond traditional adversarial boundaries.
I take great pride in being a part of two exceptional judicial systems, those of the UK and India each distinguished by its own strengths and traditions.
5. Twinwood Law Practice under your directorship holds the Specialist Quality Mark and undertakes publicly funded work in immigration and public law. Could you share what that means for access to justice, particularly for vulnerable groups?
Undertaking publicly funded work is, in my view, a matter of both professional duty and ethical commitment. At Twinwood Law Practice, we are privileged to operate within the UK’s legal aid framework, which is among the finest in the world. It ensures that individuals can exercise their right to access justice, regardless of their financial means.
Holding the Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) reflects our firm’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of client care, legal competence, and accountability. We work tirelessly on behalf of vulnerable clients in asylum and immigration matters, detention matters, bail applications, public law/constitutional cases, family disputes, and domestic violence proceedings.
Our work allows us to stand alongside individuals at some of the most critical and distressing moments of their lives, ensuring that justice is not a privilege for the few but a right enjoyed by all.
6. As someone who has worked across jurisdictions, how do you compare India’s digital research tools like SCC OnLine with international databases in terms of accessibility and utility? Also, what suggestions would you have to make the platform more user-friendly?
In my view, SCC OnLine is one of the finest legal research platforms available. Its extensive database and reliable coverage of Indian case law make it an indispensable tool for both domestic and international practitioners. Even while practising in the UK, I regularly use SCC OnLine to research Indian judgments, particularly when exploring novel legal issues or drawing comparative insights between jurisdictions.
To make the platform even more user-friendly, I would suggest enhancing search filters and cross-referencing tools, improving integration with international databases, and developing a more intuitive interface for quick access to key judgments and legislative materials. These refinements would further strengthen SCC OnLine’s position as a world-class legal research resource. Artificial intelligence (AI) has to be integrated into SCC to match LexisNexis/Westlaw.
7. In recent years, international law has faced stress due to rising geopolitical tensions. How do you see the future of public international law evolving in this changing global order?
Public international law is a constantly evolving field, and recent geopolitical shifts have only accelerated its development. In the UK, we see this evolution reflected in the growing volume of cases involving asylum, refugee protection, and human rights, all of which engage complex questions of international law.
As global conflicts, migration pressures, and transnational challenges increase, I believe we will witness a surge in novel legal arguments concerning State responsibility, application of rights, and the balance between sovereignty and humanitarian obligations.
The future of public international law will depend on how effectively legal systems adapt to these realities upholding the rule of law and international cooperation, even amid geopolitical tension.
8. Constitutionalism is being tested in many democracies across the world. In your view, what role should lawyers and courts play in preserving constitutional values in such times?
Lawyers play a pivotal role in safeguarding constitutional values, especially during times when those values are under strain. The strength of any democracy depends not only on its institutions but also on the courage and integrity of its legal professionals.
We need public-spirited lawyers who are willing to stand up for the most vulnerable members of society and to defend fundamental rights, often in the face of great adversity.
Courts, in turn, continue to act as independent guardians of the Constitution, ensuring that the rule of law. Ultimately, the preservation of constitutionalism is a shared responsibility one that requires lawyers, Judges, and citizens alike to remain vigilant and committed to justice, fairness, and equality before the law.
9. Technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the legal profession rapidly. How do you see these changes affecting litigation, client advocacy, and access to justice?
Technology and artificial intelligence are set to play a transformative role in the legal profession. Over the next decade, we are likely to see a fundamental shift in how cases are filed, processed, and argued, with digital systems streamlining everything from evidence management to virtual hearings.
Rather than viewing technology as a replacement, lawyers must work alongside it to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. When used responsibly, AI and digital tools can help achieve “last-mile connectivity” of justice ensuring that even those in remote or disadvantaged communities can access legal remedies swiftly and fairly.
In essence, technology should not only make legal practice more efficient but also expand the reach of justice to those who need it most.
10. Lastly, for young law students and aspiring advocates who want to work in international or constitutional law, what advice would you give them about building both expertise and resilience in this demanding profession?
My advice to young law students and aspiring advocates is simple but enduring: work with integrity, be honest with your clients, and never stop preparing. Success in law particularly in international or constitutional practice is built on hard work, ethical conduct, and meticulous preparation.
Every case, no matter how small, deserves your full attention. The ability to research deeply, think critically, and present clearly is what sets great advocates apart. Use resources like SCC OnLine and spend time in the law library not just to read judgments, but to understand the reasoning behind them and how legal principles evolve.
Equally important is resilience. The legal profession can be demanding, but perseverance and faith in the rule of law will see you through. Stay curious, stay committed to justice, and remember that as a lawyer, you are not merely arguing cases you are helping to shape society and uphold constitutional values.
Maintain your faith in God, approach the Court with humility, and let your guiding purpose always be the fight for justice.
1. Solicitor Advocate and Director, Twinwood Law Practice.
2. EBC-SCC Online Student Ambassador, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow.