Biography
I am a Family Law Solicitor who specialises in matters relating to divorce, dissolution or separation and the financial consequences stemming from them, as well as children matters. Whilst I am predominantly based in Leeds, I have a number of clients nationally. I am a compassionate advocate who is known to go above and beyond in providing a robust service to clients and I am often referred by past clients to their friends and family as a result.
I advise clients in respect of financial remedies upon divorce or dissolution. My client base ranges from those with modest assets to high net worth individuals. I also assist my colleagues Helen Revill and Scott Halliday in a number of complex, high net worth financial matters involving trusts, businesses and inheritance. I am particularly interested in cases which involve issues around wealth protection such as pre and post nuptial agreements and ring-fencing of inherited assets. My practice extends beyond married couples or civil partners and I am also regularly instructed to provide advice on the financial remedies available for unmarried couples.
In relation to children law matters, I have experience of dealing with a number of complex issues and have dealt with the following:
- Future child arrangements
- Specific Issue applications – such as decisions regarding education and holiday arrangements for children
- Parental Alienation issues
- Relocation of children – within England and internationally
- Vulnerable clients who lack capacity or have fluctuating capacity
- Special Guardianship Orders/Adoption Orders
I am regularly contacted by families from Asian communities seeking advice for themselves or their wider families, and I also work alongside my colleague Scott Halliday in respect of LGBT+ family law issues.
I am dedicated to achieving the best results for my clients whilst navigating them through the legal process. I support my clients through this often difficult time whilst ensuring that they are always provided with sensible and pragmatic
In West & North Yorkshire, I am proud to sit on the Young Resolution Committee where I am an advocate for alternative forms of dispute resolution. I will support clients through the mediation process, where appropriate. Resolution is a professional organisation which promotes a pragmatic and conciliatory approach to resolving financial and children matters for family practitioners nationally. I recognise however that this route is not always suitable for clients and therefore regularly support and advocate for clients in court proceedings in order to achieve settlement or the desired outcome.
Testimonials
“Since my initial visit Roopen Kalirai was appointed my solicitor and has been nothing short of amazing from start to finish. Every time I needed advice with something she was immediately helpful and was always fast getting back to me with the information I needed. Having been to court now, the result I was hoping for was reached which I believe was down to the hard work Roopen and her team have done for me this past couple of months. I always felt safe in the advice I was been given by her and cannot recommend Roopen and her team highly enough.” 5* Trustpilot review
“The advice and support I received from Roopen was just brilliant. I felt I was talking to someone who genuinely cared and she was so aware of my concerns. I literally just emailed now and again with issues and she responded with such care and fantastic advice.” 5* Trustpilot review
“My Experience with Irwin Mitchell was outstanding. I was going through an awful divorce and let down by 3 previous solicitors. Month 30 of proceedings Irwin Mitchell took on my case and worked so very hard bringing my case back on track and got me the outcome I could never imagine. I had all but given up on proceedings due to being let down in the past, 6 months with my case which was a very difficult case proceedings are over. Great success. They have an amazing team from top solicitors to barristers. I would strongly recommend that they be anyone’s first choice as they are open and honest as regards fees and fight for the best outcome for their clients. I used the Leeds firm and I cannot speak highly enough about Roopen Kalirai and Ella- Jane Terry and of course my Barrister Andrew. Truly an outstanding team who I thank whole heartily for everything.” 5* Trustpilot review
“Approachable, swift, effective. I felt listened to. In the hindsight, moving to Irwin Mitchell was the right decision I took as they helped move my case swiftly and effectively. I would like to thank Ms Roopen Kalirai, who has worked very hard and efficiently through my case. I found her very approachable and felt ‘listened to’ which gave me confidence to stand my ground 5* Trustpilot review
"The service is very thorough and advice given clear and concise. I was particularly impressed by the care, diligence and support from the paralegal involved my case. The recommended Barrister was also brilliant. Looking forward to continuing working with them to get a resolution." - 5* Trustpilot review
What inspired you to get into law?
I had a number of legal professionals in my family growing up, albeit I am the first Family Lawyer! Seeing them breaking barriers and going over and beyond to support people from the community and beyond was hugely inspiring.
I am also a fierce believer in justice, equality and diversity. I have always advocated for others and seen law as a tool for making much needed, positive changes within our society. I wanted to be part of that change.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Being trusted to advocate for clients during their most difficult moments is a definite reward in my role. The level of support and trust required to effectively do my job is completely reliant upon the faith that a client has in me. That responsibility is not lost on me and drives me to achieve the best possible outcomes for all my clients. Achieving those outcomes for clients is extremely fulfilling. The best part of my job is seeing clients being able to move forward and look to the future after my involvement. I truly cherish the relationships that I build with each client during this difficult time.
What do you do away from the office?
When I am not advocating for my clients, I am an avid supporter for equality and women’s rights. I sit as the chairwoman on the Board of Trustees for a local charity, Freedom4Girls, who support and educate on all matters relating to period poverty. I also organise external events within the Leeds office focusing on key gender issues such as barriers facing women in the workplace and conversations surrounding men’s mental health.
Aside from this, I enjoy good food, wine and spending time with my friends and family. I am also a keen traveller, book reader, Netflix watcher and music lover!
Testimonials
"The firm is spoilt for choice in relation to outstanding individuals. I have worked with Roopen Kalirai recently in a finance case, where her pragmatism, attention to detail and client care have truly impressed me." - Legal 500, 2023
"Excellent service from IM My lawyer (Roopen), and my paralegal (Ella-Jane) quickly built a true understanding of my matter, and at all times ensured that we acted appropriately and with dignity, in the face of some quite unpleasant tactics from the other side. They both kept the matter focused on the children, and what was truly in their best interests. I would 100% recommend IM based on the service I received." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Both solicitors made me feel understood, listened to and supported throughout. In a time of great distress they made me feel completely comfortable and heard and their support has been invaluable and I got what I wanted form their work. very much recommended." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I filled in the inquiry form & was contacted within a few hrs. My solicitor Roopen was very helpful & supportive from from day 1 whilst taking into account my circumstances. The team & Roopen were very patient & explained everything to me & always kept me aware of any changes. I am very pleased with the support & advice I have had from the whole team. Thank you Roopen & team" - 5* Trustpilot review
"Roopen Kalirai is an up and coming lawyer who is very determined to make her mark and go the extra mile for her clients." - Legal 500, 2022