About RDEV
Evolution of the Firm
Legacy of Leadership
Raffman Dhanji Elms & Virdee Advocates LLP was established in 1999 as Raffman & Company. The firm was founded by David Raffman and Davinder Virdee with a vision for excellence in legal advocacy. Over the past several decades, the firm has undergone a strategic evolution in leadership and branding to reflect our growing expertise and the caliber of our partners.
Our firm has been shaped by the long-term commitment of our senior counsel:
- David Raffman served with distinction as an Equity Partner before transitioning to a Consultant role in January 2005, officially retiring in September 2024.
- Salim Dhanji similarly moved from the Equity Partnership to a Consultant position on January 1, 2007, eventually entering full retirement.
- Sonal Raval contributed to the firm's growth as a Salaried Partner starting in August 2011, concluding his tenure as a Partner in November 2014.
The current strength of our leadership team is built on internal growth and veteran expertise:
- Manvinder Sehmi and Farrah Ebrahim were appointed Salaried Partners in June 2018, later joining the Equity Partnership alongside Samrita Kaur Virdee in January 2023.
- Sandra Onsembe was elevated to the position of Salaried Partner in July 2023.
- Fiona Elms, a mainstay of the firm for over a decade as a Senior Associate, transitioned to a Consultant role in August 2014.
In a significant move to modernize our operations and provide a robust framework for our clients, the partnership officially converted to a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in June 2016. This transition underscores our commitment to professional excellence and contemporary legal standards.
Our Legal Office
Compassion in Counsel. Excellence in Advocacy
Raffman Dhanji Elms & Virdee Advocates LLP is a premier medium-sized law firm comprising a team of Advocates with extensive expertise across the legal systems of Kenya and the United Kingdom. Strategically located on James Gichuru Road in the Lavington area of Nairobi, our firm is positioned to provide accessible and efficient legal counsel to a diverse clientele.
The Firm provides specialized legal services with a focus on high-value transactions and corporate governance, including:
- Real Estate and Conveyancing: Comprehensive management of commercial and residential conveyancing and bank securities.
- Development Projects: Expertise in representing developers for projects ranging from boutique clusters to large-scale residential and commercial developments exceeding several hundred units.
- Private Client Services: Dedicated counsel for Wills, Probate, Trusts, and estate planning.
- Corporate & Commercial Law: Strategic advising for both domestic and international clients on the formation, registration, and statutory maintenance of legal entities in Kenya.
Over the years, the Firm has cultivated a robust practice representing a broad spectrum of interests. Our representative client list includes:
- Multinational and local corporations.
- Financial institutions and commercial banks.
- Owner-entrepreneur ventures.
- Diplomatic missions and Embassies.
- Private individuals and business organizations.
Our strength lies in our multidisciplinary team. In addition to our Equity Partners, Salaried Partners, and Consultants, we maintain a sophisticated support structure consisting of:
- Advocates admitted to the High Court of Kenya.
- A dedicated administrative and accounting department.
- Specialized registry clerks providing direct liaison with Land and Companies Registries and various Government departments.
The Firm is deeply committed to the future of the legal profession. We maintain a rigorous training program, mentoring pupils from the Kenya School of Law and supporting hold-over candidates as they transition into full admission to the bar.
Meet Our Partners
GUY ELMS
Guy Elms is a highly experienced legal professional, qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court in England and Wales in London in 1991. He began his legal career by completing his Articles at Belmont & Lowe Solicitors, where he practiced from 1990 to 1994.
DAVINDER VIRDEE
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MANVINDER SEHMI
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FARRAH EBRAHIM
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SAMRITA VIRDEE
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SANDRA ONSEMBE
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Consultant
FIONA ELMS
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Senior Associates
CAROLINE MUCHEMI
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EDGAR NYAMAYEIRA
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STELLA WAMAE
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BRIAN OMWARE
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TATIANA CHAKAYA
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VELMA VUGUTSA
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WINNY CHEPKORIR
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Pillars of Our Practice
Strategic & Results-Driven Advocacy
Success in the legal field is measured by outcomes. We don't just "handle" cases, we engineer strategies designed to win. By combining meticulous preparation with courtroom advocacy, we ensure that every legal move is a calculated step toward your goal. Our focus remains steadfast on achieving the best possible financial and legal result for you.
Client-Centered Communication
The legal process can be intimidating and opaque. We bridge that gap by prioritizing clarity and accessibility. Our firm is built on the principle that you should never have to wonder about the status of your case. Through regular updates, transparent fee structures, and direct access to your lead attorney, we ensure you are informed in your own legal journery, providing peace of mind from start to finish.
Specialized Expertise with a Global Perspective
In an increasingly complex world general advice isn't enough. Our firm offers deep, specialized knowledge in our core practice areas, bolstered by an understanding of how modern technology and global markets impact your legal needs. We leverage cutting edge legal research and a network of industry experts to provide counsel that is as sophisticated as the challenges you face.
Unwavering Integrity and Ethical Standards
We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that your case is handled with absolute discretion and professional honor. Our peers and the courts recognize us for our honesty and fair dealing, which grants our clients a distinct advantage: the "credibility bonus" that comes with being represented by a firm that the legal community respects.