I was educated at ESS and then the City of London Polytechnic. I have a B.A. from Guildhall University in London, and a diploma in English Civil Law.

I am the senior partner of Arlingtons Sharmas Solicitors in London. The firm's areas of expertise include civil litigation, corporate commercial law, probate, property, employment law, and charity law. I have acted as legal adviser to various voluntary organizations including the Memorial Gates Trust. From 1990 to 2000, I was a board member and secretary of the Asian Music Circuit. I am also a visiting instructor at the International Development of Legal Institutes in Rome. I am a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the Law Society's Probate Section.

I am married to Usha Prashar, first civil service commissioner and a member of the House of Lords. We are former members of the Salzburg Seminar's Board of Directors.

- As of October 2006