Goldsmith Chambers

Barrister

Lawrence is a public law practitioner, and specialises in UK immigration, asylum and nationality matters. He has a busy practice representing individuals in the First-tier and Upper Tribunal, as well as the High Court and the Court of Appeal. His written and oral presentations are commended by instructing solicitors and Judges. He is developing a reputation as a fearless and tenacious advocate, having won numerous difficult cases with limited prospects of success. As a conscientious and dedicated advocate, Lawrence goes the extra mile and always welcomes a collaborative approach with legal representatives to ensure the highest prospects of success.

Lawrence has a keen interest in deepening his knowledge of immigration law. He writes on a range of immigration law issues, and is a contributing author for LexisPSL Immigration where he provides case summaries, analyses, and commentaries. He has written on topics including ETS/TOEIC, tax discrepancy cases, human rights, and Common Travel Areas. He is also on the LexisPSL Q&A panel of authors. In addition, Lawrence delivers trainings in immigration law to various organisations, including AstenJ and Law Friends Society; his training has been described as “clear and accurate, simplifying a complex area for the audience” by a former Upper Tribunal Judge in attendance.

Before joining the Bar, Lawrence interned for seven months at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He was part of the defence team for cases involving Kenya and Sudan. He also assisted in the Kosovar case of The Special Prosecutor v. Fatmir Limaj, where his work contributed to the defendant’s acquittal for war crimes.

Having been born and raised in Japan to British-Iranian parents, Lawrence is fluent in Japanese and Persian. Beyond his legal interests, Lawrence enjoys photography. His work has been displayed at exhibitions, featured in National Geographic, and published in coffee table books.

Direct Access

Lawrence accepts instructions directly from the members of the public without the need to engage a solicitor or a legal representative.

Prior to joining the Bar, Lawrence worked at a boutique immigration and human rights law firm as an in-house advocate. He also spent 2 years at a set of Chambers that focussed on direct access work. His considerable experience in working with members of the public and familiarity with all stages of legal casework therefore gives him an edge when assisting clients on a direct access basis. Lawrence is professional and approachable, making him adept at dealing with difficult cases involving sensitive, and vulnerable clients.

Pro Bono

Lawrence frequently accepts pro bono instructions from Advocate (formerly the Bar Pro Bono Unit) and Bail for Immigration Detainees, and he is the head of the immigration practice at Somers Town Legal Advice Corner. In recognition of his diverse pro bono work, Lawrence was nominated for the Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year Award (2020) by Advocate.

Japanese and Persian (Farsi)

Contributing Author for LexisPSL Immigration

Q&A Panel of Author for LexisPSL Immigration

Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA)

LL.B. (Hons) – University of Liverpool (2008 – 2011)

BPTC – Kaplan Law School (2012 – 2013)