Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors

Public Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Asylum

Fadi heads up the firm's Public Law and Appeals at Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors department under the supervision of Dr. Bernard Andonian (who sits as a part-time Judge of the First-tier Tribunal). Fadi has extensive experience in the field of public law and immigration, litigation across the broad spectrum of public law and immigration law over the last 10 years. He undertakes his own advocacy with regular successful appearances at both the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal. His cases often progress to the High Court and even the Court of Appeal where he has settled several pleadings on various matters such as deception, FGM, medical cases and destitution, human trafficking etc. His work includes acting for large organisations (including restaurant franchises and football clubs) as well as individuals. His meticulous approach to his appeal-based work and advocacy has earnt him consistent judicial praise over the years. He is a safe pair of hands in this field of law where he leaves no stone unturned and his able to think on his feet in high pressure situations at court. Examples, amongst many others, include;

Mr Farhat’s submissions are as follows and their clarity is such, that I make no apology for setting them out in my decision.”  Judge of the First-tier Tribunal Martins, 2016

It is the most learned pleading I have ever seen….it is a very serious document.” Judge Blake in the First-tier Tribunal in May 2011 commenting on grounds of appeal submitted in relation to Articles 8, 6 and 12 of the ECHR

 “….the detailed grounds of claim…display a good knowledge of human rights...law….” Mr. Justice Mitting in the Administrative Court – 29/06/2010 commenting on an application for Judicial Review before the Administrative Court 

 “The ingenious arguments which Mr Farhat valiantly advanced on behalf of his clients…”  Designated First-tier Tribunal Judge Manuell at a preliminary hearing to determine the First-tier Tribunal’s jurisdiction - 3rd September 2014    

 “The appellant’s solicitors have submitted Grounds of Appeal. It is very detailed…the relevant parts are indeed very illuminating.” Judge of the Firs-tier Tribunal NMK Lawrence – 07/02/2012 (In relation to the policy classification of “graduate level” jobs within Tier 2 of the PBS)  

 “…ingenious argument…” Designated First-tier Tribunal Judge Manuell – 22/05/2012  In relation to a legal argument present to the Tribunal on a point of construction 

2007-2010: Paralegal2010-2011: Trainee SolicitorOctober 2013 to November 2014: AssociateAugust 2015 to present: Senior Legal Officer - Head of Appeals and Public Law

Arabic (all major dialects), Spanish, French, Italian, PortugueseJapanese (basic), Czech (basic), Maltese (basic)

Trustee at Richmond Legal Advice Service (RLAS)

1st Class LL.B. Hons, PgDip, LLM, BA Hons (currently pending)

Sweet & Maxwell Law PrizeMiddlesex Law Society Prize for Excellence in LawOxford & BPP National Mooting Competition (rated ‘Very Good’)Chancellor’s Award 2008

Supporting Manchester UnitedKarate Rugby Travelling