About Hartej

Professional Background

Hartej Singh Saund-Matharu is a future pupil barrister at 30 Park Place Chambers (commencing September 2025), bringing a robust combination of legal scholarship, advocacy experience, and community engagement to his practice. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to legal excellence, accessibility, and the advancement of justice.

A first-class honours graduate in Law (LLB) from Cardiff University, Hartej completed the Bar Course with a Pass at the Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA). His academic achievements are complemented by his practical legal experience and involvement in various advocacy competitions, establishing a foundation for effective courtroom representation and client advocacy.

Scholarships and Recognition

Hartej's potential within the legal profession has been recognised through multiple scholarships and awards. He is an Exhibition Scholar and Frank & Burris Gahan Scholar at The Inner Temple, where he also received the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Entrance Award in May 2023. These accolades acknowledge both his academic merit and his contributions to the wider legal community.

During his earlier education at Loughborough Grammar School, Hartej was awarded the Thomas Burton Lodge Prize for Special Initiative or Achievement in a Non-Academic Field, recognising his work in environmentalism, LGBTQ+ awareness, poetry, and teaching. He also received the Wallace Prize for General Excellence at Advanced Level and the Prize for General Excellence at GCSE Level, demonstrating a consistent record of achievement throughout his educational journey.

Advocacy and Legal Experience

Hartej has developed his advocacy skills through significant mooting experiences, including winning as Senior Counsel in the Economic & Social Research Council & Cardiff University Healthcare, Ethics, & Law Mock Trial in June 2023, where he addressed complex issues of organ donation and capacity to consent. He also emerged victorious as Senior Counsel in the National Community Law Project (NCLP) Moot Fundraiser in March 2022, tackling challenging cases in tort and discrimination law.

His professional experience includes working as a Paralegal at NewLaw Solicitors in Cardiff, where he managed a diverse portfolio of road traffic accident cases. This role honed his skills in legal research, case analysis, client handling, and negotiation—all essential components of effective legal representation.

Leadership and Community Engagement

As the Founding President of Cardiff University Bar Society, Hartej demonstrated significant leadership abilities by orchestrating the society's strategic direction with a focus on diversity and inclusion. He spearheaded multiple legal events, moot competitions, and discussions, showcasing his organisational skills and commitment to creating opportunities for aspiring barristers.

Hartej's dedication to justice extends beyond formal legal settings. As a Team Leader and Case Worker at Cardiff University Innocence Project, he led a team in drafting a Criminal Case Review Commission application for a complex joint enterprise murder case, employing critical thinking and innovative legal argumentation to address potential miscarriages of justice.

Currently, he volunteers with the Sikh Human Rights Group (a UN NGO with ECOSOC status) on the 1984 Sikh Genocide Project, conducting in-depth legal research and analysis on human rights violations. This work involves synthesizing complex legal analyses and crafting persuasive written statements for the UN, demonstrating his commitment to international human rights and justice.

Legal Writing and Research

Hartej's analytical abilities and clear communication skills are evidenced in his writing. As a Student Ambassador for Sikhs in Law, he has engaged in legal research for an extensive article on 'Sikhism, Law, & Gender Equality'. Additionally, as a Freelance Blogger for the Open Justice Court of Protection Project, he has authored published pieces that demonstrate his capacity for clear, persuasive, and accessible legal writing.

Professional Approach

Hartej approaches legal practice with a distinct philosophy that balances rigorous individual excellence with collective support. He values precision, thoroughness, and ethical advocacy, whilst maintaining an unwavering commitment to inclusion and accessibility within the legal profession.

His professional persona is characterised by conscientiousness, openness to diverse perspectives, and a supportive approach to colleagues and clients alike. These qualities, combined with his resilience and community focus, form the foundation of his emerging practice at the Bar.

Languages and Additional Skills

Hartej's exceptional linguistic abilities include proficiency in multiple languages. Beyond his native English, he has studied French, Spanish, Latin, Mandarin, and Punjabi, achieving high marks in formal examinations. He has also completed an introductory course in British Sign Language (BSL), reflecting his commitment to accessibility and inclusive communication.

Personal Interests

Beyond his professional pursuits, Hartej maintains a range of interests that contribute to his well-rounded perspective. These include cooking, painting, Indian classical music, and walking. His engagement with diverse cultural and creative activities reflects the same curiosity and appreciation for nuance that he brings to his legal work.