Member Spotlight: Orvedi Kalenga

20 April 2026

Orvedi is an Associate Solicitor at Morgan Phelps Solicitors and member of the R3 Midlands regional committee where he represents the region nationally, advocating for the value of the insolvency profession. He qualified in September 2025 and is a New Professional member.

What gets you up in the morning?

The excitement of new challenges. In our line of work, every day is different. There is no way to tell whether the day will be spent drafting letters before action or preparing an injunction. Also, knowing that the core results of our job have a real-life impact is a great motivation to not just do the work, but do it properly.

What's been your biggest career achievement to date and why?

Mentorship of paralegals. As I have only recently qualified myself, I appreciate the worries of paralegals and I aim to provide a tailored and personal answer to their enquiries. We all require assistance at some stage in our lives, and I am always grateful to be of use and to provide assistance to others. Additionally, I am very proud of assisting and leading on certain matters that have received some publicity. One of these is Bourne & Anor v Manukyan & Anor (Re MM Apartment Letting Ltd) [2024] EWHC 832 (Ch), where the Court reinforced the principle of s.212 of the Insolvency Act 1986, in particular, that once the liquidator proves a payment was made, the director must justify its legitimacy. Another is Kieran Bourne & Tunluk Ltd v Tunaru and others [2025] EWHC 1762 (Ch), [2025] 3 WLUK 832. In this case, the court found that the director was guilty of fraudulent trading and misfeasance. It also found that a third-party letting agent was guilty of transaction at an undervalue and ordered the agent to repay the rental sums involved, since it was adjudged that the company received no benefit from the transaction.

Which professional challenges are keeping you awake and why?

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI is a great tool, I believe it is doing work that was previously performed by paralegals and legal assistants. As many law firms now use AI to assist with legal research and drafting, we are losing vital skills within our workforce.

What is the most important career lesson you've learned?

Understanding and appreciating the commercial reality of legal matters. As a solicitor, you must have a legal mindset as well as a business mindset. It is important to understand your clients' strategic goals and be able to provide creative solutions that reflect their goals. Another key lesson was to own my mistakes early and seek help as soon as practicable. Mistakes don't tend to be a problem when we own up to them promptly and seek assistance. The issues come when we attempt to 'sweep things under the rug' and cover them up.

How do you keep developing your knowledge and skills?

By engaging with mentors and attending legal conferences. As a result of communicating with, and observing, senior practitioners, I am able to gain diverse perspectives and career guidance. How do you maintain a good work-life balance? I try my best to meet up with my friends at the weekend and go hiking or paintballing. I enjoy walks and I have established boundaries that allow me to switch off from my professional life, both physically and mentally.

Why are you passionate about the insolvency profession?

I find deep fulfilment in assisting individuals and creditors to navigate turbulent times. The profession is a hybrid of accounting and law. I enjoy the variety involved with investigating misconduct and uncovering fraudulent activities.

What do you value about being an R3 member?

As an R3 member, I have the privilege to network with other members who also work in recovery. I am able to gain immense knowledge of the profession and make connections that will last a lifetime.