Stefan

Stefan Ramkissoon

Lawyer

Stefan Ramkissoon is one of the founding members of Sovereign Chambers, an organisation that is based on, and named after, the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, especially which starts by making it clear that this our beloved country is a “Sovereign Democratic State.” To the already substantial legal and ethical contributions of his two other founding members and colleagues, Dinesh Rambally and Kiel Taklalsingh, Stefan adds considerable value in both capacity and commitment.

Stefan is known for his extremely strong work ethic. Not only is he dependable, productive, collaborative and passionate but his colleagues and clients know that no day is too long for Stefan. His total commitment, keen eye for detail, meticulous drafting style. and putting the needs of his client before his own concerns are unexpected but welcome in any lawyer of his age.

Stefan, who was admitted to the Trinidad and Tobago Bar in 2015, is not just an extremely articulate advocate but has quickly developed and demonstrates a notable presence in court. Having come from an accounting background, Stefan has quickly become one of the more recognizable faces in the Tax Appeal Court and is making a name for himself as an expert in Tax Law. He is also well known and respected in the area of Public Law especially Human Rights issues. Recently, Stefan has augmented his experience and skills through his involvement in proceedings challenging the State on the recently proclaimed Interception of Communications Act.

Despite his relatively recent admission to the BAR of Trinidad and Tobago, Stefan had previously appeared and been very successful in cases before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, The Caribbean Court of Justice and the Trinidad and Tobago Court of Appeal.

Speaking about his commitment to Sovereign Chambers and his colleagues, Stefan made it clear, “We have a group like the Three Musketeers, one for all and all for one, but more important, we are all and always for the people who need our help and support. Like our National Constitution, every creed and race will always find an equal, considerate and unyielding group of totally committed lawyers working on your behalf.”

Some of the more recent and landmark Court decisions Stefan has been apart from are:
Trinidad Cement Limited Claimant and The State of Trinidad and Tobago v Rock Hard Distribution Limited and Mootilal Ramhit & Sons Contracting Limited (Multifaceted litigation involving the interpretation and application of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, Regional Customs Laws and the proper Classification of Imported Cement into the CARICOM Region)

Satnarayan Maharaj and Central Broadcasting Services Limited v The Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago CV2019-02271 (Successful Constitutional Challenge to provisions of the Sedition Act)

Sanctuary Workers’ Union and Mitoonlal Persad v The Minister of Labour and Small Enterprise Development Claim No. CV2019- 01113 (Landmark Public Law case affirmatively establishing proportionality as a ground of Judicial Review)

Central Broadcasting Services Limited v The Commissioner of Police No. CV-2019-02135 (landmark Public Law case which indicated that members of the pubic are entitled to a copy of a search warrant once it is executed upon their property.

Ruth Peters v Permanent Secretary of and/or Representing the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services and Central Public Assistance Board Claim No. CV 2019-01839 (Landmark Public Law case which struck down exclusionary regulations of the Public Assistance Act that unlawfully excluded a category of persons from attaining a Public Assistance Grant)

Jesse Ryan Mark Rooplal v The Comptroller of Customs and Excise NO.CV-2019-1002 (Public Law case which struck down the policy of Customs and Excise as it relates their classification of sex toys and their legality within Trinidad and Tobago)