Parissa Najah

Prior to pupillage, Parissa worked with vulnerable victims of crime providing advocacy, support and advice to those in crisis. Parissa led various projects based within local authorities, housing associations, the NHS and Police. She has a strong understanding of the practices of public bodies.

Parissa is a Fellow of the Legal Education Foundation's Justice First Fellowship programme, a scheme supporting advocates committed to public interest and social justice issues.

Parissa accepts instructions under the Direct Access Scheme.

Housing

In her previous career, Parissa worked alongside local neighbourhood policing teams, social housing providers and local authority enforcement agencies to develop strategies around local housing and neighbourhood issues. This practical knowledge enables her to quickly understand the competing needs often at play in her cases, and argue persuasively on behalf of her clients.  

Parissa has acted in all aspects of landlord and tenant and social housing litigation, including possession, homelessness, allocations, anti-social behaviour, tenancy deposits, unlawful eviction, disrepair and housing conditions, tenancy fraud, succession and assignment. She is a regular legal contributor to Lime Legal’s weekly Housing Law updates 

Immigration

Parissa’s practice covers the full spectrum of immigration law. She is regularly instructed to appear in the first tier and upper tribunals to deal with asylum, humanitarian protection, Article 8 human rights and British nationality matters. She has also acted in deportations and bail hearings, both on a paid and pro-bono basis.

Parissa is especially able in assisting vulnerable individuals, including victims of torture and trafficking and individuals with serious mental health problems, and ensuring her advice is provided in the most clear and sympathetic way possible.

Public Law & Judicial Review

Parissa is developing a broad public law practice. In addition to her experience in housing and immigration matters, Parissa has acted and advised upon several discrimination claims including alleged breaches of the Equality Act 2010.

Parissa’s practice covers social welfare, community care, environmental law, inquests and prison law. Her experience in working within public bodies means she is particularly proficient in understanding the opposing interests at play in decision making and is committed to ensuring fundamental rights are not overridden. 

Court of Protection & Mental Health

Parissa accepts instructions in all areas of court of protection and mental health work before the FTT and Court of Protection. She has acted on behalf of both protected parties and applicant trusts and authorities.

Parissa’s broad practice and experience mean she is able to understand and offer holistic advice in court of protection matters, as they often overlap with other areas within her expertise.

Public Law Children

Parissa’s practice is focussed upon cases which have some cross over with other areas of her public law and immigration practice. She has experience in dealing with female genital mutilation, deprivation of liberties and those cases with an international element.

Parissa has acted in multi-day trials including those involving non-accidental injuries.  She is skilled at working with parents who have particular vulnerabilities, including mental health issues and issues with substance misuse.

Private Law & Injunctions

Parissa has experience in all aspects of this work, and particularly those cases involving domestic abuse. This has included findings of fact with allegations of serious sexual abuse.

MEMBERSHIPS Just Fair Trustee North East Legal Support Trust Board Member Advocate Pro Bono Barrister JUSTICE Bar Human Rights Committee Young Legal Aid Lawyers Lincoln’s Inn Housing Law Weekly Contributor Environmental Law Review Editorial Team EDUCATION Newcastle University Law LLB (hons) University of Edinburgh Global Crime, Justice and Security MSC (hons) BPP University BPTC BPP University LLM Professional Legal Practice ADR ODR Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator