Landmark Chambers

Philip specialises in Asylum and Immigration law.

Philip joined chambers in April 2010 from 36 Bedford Row. First called to the Bar in 1996, Philip practised crime for three years until leaving the Bar to join the Refugee Legal Centre in 1999. He moved to Sutovic & Hartigan Solicitors in 2000, taking on a broader range of immigration work. Philip returned to the Bar in January 2003 and ever since he has specialised in Asylum and Immigration law.

In the Administrative Court by way of Judicial Review, Philip has had recent success in diverse areas such as the appropriate interpretation of the test applied in refusals of fresh claims (AS (Sri Lanka)), unlawful detention following previous compliance with temporary admission (Shylolibavan) and ensuring Home Office compliance with the various EU Directives on asylum law, in particular the right to work provisions of the Reception Directive (ZO (Somalia) and Others).

Philip also acts regularly for Appellants before the Immigration and Asylum Chambers of both the First Tier and Upper Tribunals and thereafter on further appeal to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. In this regard he has had notable success in ensuring Home Office compliance with policy statements (Shkembi v SSHD (CA) and IA (Mauritius) (AIT)) and in particular helping to settle the correct interpretation to the various maintenance provisions of the Immigration Rules (MK (Somalia) v ECO (CA) and Mahad and Others v ECO (SC).

Philip is an avid sports fan, previously enjoying skiing, playing regular golf, cricket and tennis and watching AFC Wimbledon, all severely hampered by relatively recent arrival of two young boys. He also enjoys playing the cello, film, and theatre.