Alex is regularly instructed on complex and challenging immigration and asylum cases. He has a particular interest in assisting vulnerable clients, children and those with mental health issues. His substantial experience in criminal law means that he has significant insight into issues arising from deportation matters. Through his expertise in representing victims of trafficking, Alex worked to establish and clarify the key principles that can arise in such cases in the reported case of DC (Trafficking, Protection/Human Rights appeals: Albania) [2019] UKUT 351 (IAC). The judges, including the President of the Upper Tribunals (IAC), commended Alex on his helpful analysis of the caselaw, which informed much of the leading judgment (para.13). Alex also has a depth of experience in statelessness, family life and EUSS cases. He is frequently asked to deal with judicial review matters on a broad range of immigration cases, and advises on student and business visas, as well as entry clearance. Alex is especially happy to assist in complex bail applications and challenges to the lawfulness of detention, and has a substantial history of involvement in such cases. Before joining Chambers, Alex was a senior caseworker at a prominent London immigration firm, working on the Gurkha litigation. When he first joined Chambers in 2010, he assisted in preparing the landmark case of ZH (Tanzania) v SSHD [2011] UKSC 4 in the Supreme Court. He is also qualified to accept instructions from members of the public directly.
Barristers
Alex originally joined 1MCB as a pupil. His interests range across crime, social welfare law and human rights, in particular where those areas impact on vulnerable people, or minorities. Alex defends in the Crown Court and has appeared before the Court of Appeal. He accepts instructions in all serious criminal matters. Alex also acts for claimants in actions against the police, and related personal injury claims. He frequently advises on the legality of police actions, and has succesfully concluded actions against the police in trial before a jury. Alex maintains a varied civil practice. He is familiar with judicial review, public law principles, and issues of discrimination as they apply to social welfare areas of law. He practises immigration law, specialising in asylum and human rights appeals, and has succesfully represented clients on appeal to the Upper Immigration Tribunal. He also represents in housing and homelessness cases, specialising in acting for tenants. He is experienced in s.204 appeals, and resisting possession claims. He has a further interest in areas of community care and mental health, and has appeared for clients before the mental health tribunal. Alex is knowledgeable on international human rights principles, and in particular those surrounding the death penalty. He has frequently advised NGOs in this area, and assisted in the representation of capital defendants. He often works abroad on such issues as part of the charity Evolve.
An approachable barrister, a formidable opponent; Amritpal practises housing and employment law. His housing law experience ranges from complex possession, unlawful eviction, harassment, statutory succession, and disrepair cases. Amritpal is particularly experienced with anti-social behaviour cases, homelessness appeals, and cases intersecting with discrimination law, including the Public Sector Equality Duty. He is described as having a “very diligent approach” and a “keen eye for detail” (instructing solicitor in successful homelessness appeal 2020), as well as having a “personal touch regarding the plight of the client that is not always seen” (instructing solicitor in a disrepair claim 2020). In employment law, Amritpal is well placed to represent clients at multi day trials, judicial mediations and appeals. Amritpal regularly acts in all types of discrimination cases, unfair dismissals and wage claims, as well as substantive preliminary hearings considering disability status, amendments, and jurisdictional issues. Amritpal also provides written advice on complex discrimination cases, including those intersecting with goods and services. Amritpal has a strong interest in working with the NGO sector. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Amritpal worked with the Equal Rights Trust researching the discriminatory impact of ‘Covid-19 immunity passports’ to contribute towards their advocacy submission to the United Nations. As a committed pro bono practitioner for Advocate, Amritpal was ‘Highly Commended’ at the Advocate Bar Pro Bono Awards in 2020. Amritpal has also supported the Free Representation Unit, Medical Justice, Liberty, as well as volunteering for the homelessness charity, Crisis, during Christmas periods. Prior to coming to the Bar, Amritpal began his professional life as an Optometrist, during which he volunteered in India, Zambia, Ghana and Ethiopia. Amritpal also worked at the House of Lords Library authoring briefings for Peers across the House of Lords’ main policy areas, particularly on social policy issues such as homelessness and poverty. “Professional and courteous and has a personal touch regarding the plight of the client that is not always seen“
Anna has a busy and varied practice. This allows her to maintain real expertise across multiple areas of law and in different forums from the First-tier Tribunal and County Court up to the Court of Appeal. Her cross-cutting knowledge means that no aspect of her client’s situation is overlooked. She is approachable to clients and clearly explains her legal advice. In court she is persuasive and is able to respond with agility as a hearing develops, because of her thorough grasp of the law and careful preparation. Anna joined 1MCB as a tenant in 2009 after successfully completing her pupillage in chambers. She is committed to chambers’ ethos of ensuring that all members of society can enjoy access to justice through first-class representation. She therefore accepts instructions from legally aided clients and particularly prides herself on ensuring vulnerable clients have the best possible experience of the justice system. She accepts instructions on a direct public access basis in appropriate cases. Before coming to the Bar she both worked at a leading immigration & human rights solicitors’ firm (Wesley Gryk LLP) and volunteered with Camden Community Law Centre, the Immigration Advisory Service and the Free Representation Unit. She continues to undertake pro bono work for Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID). In 2019 Anna was appointed as a First-Tier Tribunal Judge, sitting in the Social Entitlement Chamber.
Barnabas is a barrister specialising in immigration and asylum law and related areas and has extensive experience in the First Tier and Upper Tribunals, with onward appeals to the Court of Appeal. He regularly undertakes judicial review applications in the High Court and Upper Tribunal. He has also advised local authorities and family law solicitors on immigration problems, particularly those relating to children. Additionally he has experience in terrorism and national security cases.
Bernadette has a busy practice with a focus on immigration, asylum and judicial review. She is committed to representing publicly funded and vulnerable clients and is experienced in doing so in all areas of her practice. She regularly delivers training on asylum, on changes to the immigration system and recently co-authored two working guides, one for representatives and one for unrepresented appellants, on the procedural changes that were introduced into the Immigration and Asylum Chamber due to the pandemic. Bernadette has advised a number of organisations on legal challenges and applications and worked with the Jesuit Refugee Service UK, Equal Rights Trust, Reprieve and Lambeth Law Centre. Before coming to the bar, Bernadette volunteered in immigration and housing for two and a half years at Lambeth Law Centre. For the final year she worked as a senior immigration caseworker as well as being involved in providing outreach immigration advice to a domestic violence charity. Prior to pupillage Bernadette developed an interest in restorative justice and mediation while volunteering on youth referral order panels for a couple of years as a panel chair, facilitating discussions with young people about reparation and minimising the risk of reoffending. She is a trustee of Evolve – Foundation for International Legal Assistance and has been involved in its ongoing work, preparing written submissions for criminal appeals and re-sentencing in Uganda. Recent notable case: R (on the application of HM) v Secretary of State for the Home Department; R (on the application of MA and another) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (Privacy International intervening) [2022] EWHC 695: This was a case which concerned the Home Office’s operation of a secret policy whereby officers were to search all migrants arriving by small boat to the UK, to seize and retain their phones without allowing access to the contents, and to download all data under a secret, blanket policy until November 2020. Significant concessions were made prior to the hearing and the Court further held that there was no lawful basis to search migrants and seize their phones on a blanket basis under the provisions used by the Home Office under para.25B, schedule 2 of the Immigration Act 1971 and s.48 of the Immigration Act 2016. Bernadette has been ranked for the last three years as a leading junior in Legal 500: “She really is a people’s barrister’, with empathy and making sure clients are comfortable” (2020); “Bernadette is accessible and engaged throughout the preparation period, her knowledge in immigration and asylum matters is excellent, she is creative, very bright, and her input is invaluable” (2021).
Caroline provides pertinent advice and ruthless advocacy in serious criminal offences. She represents defendants in all criminal areas but is well known for her experience with more serious offences.Caroline has a wealth of experience in defending the more serious criminal offences such as sexual offences, violence, burglary and armed robbery and drugs related offences. She is a tenacious defence advocate that achieves results through not leaving any stone unturned.
David is an experienced advocate in a broad range of legal practice areas, including criminal defence, constitutional law, immigration, judicial review, inquests and general civil litigation.He writes and lectures extensively in the UK and Ireland and internationally.
David specialises in all areas of criminal law, both prosecution and defence, with significant experience of Crown Court and appellate advocacy involving serious and complex cases. David has an approachable manner and is well liked by clients. He takes pride in thorough preparation and is prompt at communicating outcomes and advice. Before joining 1MCB Chambers in April 2016, David worked for a number of years as an in-house advocate at a busy criminal law firm where he was a criminal litigation supervisor, head of the in-house advocacy department and duty solicitor.
Geeta practises in all areas of housing, actions against the police and public authorities, public law and discrimination. She is an innovative and determined advocate, who works tirelessly for her clients. By combining her great technical skill with her broad legal knowledge, Geeta is able to provide clients with robust and practical advice and representation. She provides strategic insight and is adept in dealing with complex legal issues that cut across human rights, discrimination and international law. Geeta is regularly instructed on behalf of clients with multiple vulnerabilities, and she prides herself on her clear and sensitive approach and adapting to the needs of her clients. Prior to the Bar, Geeta worked as a paralegal at a well established solicitors' firm, Edwards Duthie Shamash, assisting in complex group litigation against the prison service and judicial review proceedings. She has a Masters in International Law, and has experience in strategic litigation in the field of business and human rights as well as environmental law. “Geeta has consistently demonstrated her prowess as one of the most capable up and coming barristers. Her advocacy is precise and piercing.” - Scott-Moncrieff & Associates
Ghazala is a strategic and tenacious barrister dedicated to the needs of her clients. She is accessible and provides good sound advice in all areas of her practice. Prior to joining chambers, Ghazala worked as an immigration tribunal representative and caseworker for several years, gaining extensive experience in a wide variety of immigration matters including deportation, human rights and asylum cases. She has been involved in both appeals and applications for judicial review and continues to accept instructions in all aspects of immigration law. Ghazala has a growing practice in all areas of criminal defence, representing clients in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Court. She has experience defending in cases involving all types of allegations including violence, public order, fraud, drugs and sexual offences. She is recognised for her thorough approach and skilled courtroom advocacy. As a criminal practitioner, her experience of cross-examination and witness handling techniques provides excellent grounding for her family law work, particularly where there is a crossover in cases involving domestic abuse or sexual violence. Ghazala routinely represents in all aspects of family finance proceedings and has significant experience of private law children matters including applications for Prohibited Steps Orders, Non-Molestation Orders, and Child Arrangements Orders. With her empathetic manner, she approaches cases with the necessary tact and care to achieve the best outcome for her clients.
Throughout all areas of her practice, Gwawr is dedicated to promoting human rights and defending civil liberties, and is especially committed to publicly funded practice. She prides herself on her approachable and down to earth manner, her fastidious attention to detail and her tenacity in seeking a just result for those whom she represents. Gwawr’s practice extends across a number of inter-related areas. This not only allows her to take a holistic approach to any particular case, but also offers continuity of representation to clients whose problems straddle more than one area of law. Accordingly, Gwawr is able to offer a seamless service to criminal clients raising complaints about their treatment in prison or by the police; to defendants who may be facing deportation proceedings upon conviction; and to immigration clients seeking redress for unlawful detention. In appropriate cases, Gwawr is able to accept instructions directly from members of the public, community organisations and NGOs, through the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme.
Iain is a seasoned and compassionate barrister specialising in serious crime. He is a fighter who always goes the extra mile for his clients, whether before domestic or international jurisdictions. Iain represents defendants charged with the gravest of offences and has a particular expertise in international crimes, firearms, and immigration-related cases. He is developing a strong practice in extradition. Iain prides himself on his meticulous preparation and intelligent trial strategy. Clients regularly comment favourably on his down-to-earth, unpretentious approach. Since 2009, Iain has divided his busy defence practice between domestic and international criminal work. For the last five years, he has been one of a small handful of barristers ranked by The Legal 500 as a Tier 1 leading junior in international crime and extradition. Iain is currently assigned as defence counsel before the International Criminal Court in The Hague. His client is alleged to be a notorious commander of the Arab militia in Darfur, Sudan commonly known as the Janjaweed. He is charged with 31 counts of murder, rape, forcible transfer, persecution and torture as crimes against humanity, and numerous war crimes, all arising out of the conflict in West Darfur between August 2003 and April 2004. Iain also represents a client who was granted early release from his sentence by the UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in Arusha, Tanzania, in his efforts to be permanently resettled in a safe country. Until recently, he was assigned for the defence of a client at trial and on appeal in a multi-hander contempt case before the Mechanism. Iain has a developing interest in all areas of national and international sanctions work, including before the UN’s Ombudsperson to the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, and under the UK’s new Magnitsky regime introduced through the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. Iain is accredited by the Bar Standards Board to undertake public access work. He is regularly invited to provide training and to speak at international conferences, particularly on defence issues. Guest lecturer, Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas: the defence before international criminal jurisdictions (The Hague, March 2022); · Guest lecturer, European Law Students' Association, University of Groningen: international criminal justice: from prosecution to defence (Groningen, February 2022); · Judicial trainer/mentor, UK Embassy project: Iraq counter-terrorism prosecutions and investigations (Erbil, December 2020-April 2021); · Guest lecturer, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: fair trial rights and challenges for the defence (Amsterdam, January 2021);
Ignatius’s practice is exclusively criminal defence. He specialises in all areas of criminal law and is increasingly being instructed as leading counsel in highly organised and complex frauds, money laundering and international drug trafficking.Ignatius has a wealth of experience in dealing with serious murder, crimes of violence and drug related offences. He is a strong and conscientious defender and has a special interest in human rights and issues affecting minority communities. He is well known for exceptional client relationships and very strong closing speeches.
Jackie specialises in all aspects of immigration and asylum law, including immigration and asylum related judicial review applications. She has been a specialised immigration practitioner since 1996 and she has particular interests in representing people who are persecuted for their faith, and in humanitarian cases.
Jacqueline provides advice in family, crime and immigration work. She now specialises in family law but her background traverses many areas of law and she still sits as an immigration judge. For this reason she is often seen as the perfect advocate for cases that involve various disciplines. Jacqueline has practised as a family barrister for more than 25 years. In that time she has regularly been instructed in both private and legal aid work and is pleased to do either. She has a background in serious criminal offences, particularly those involving young offenders, offenders with mental health issues, sexual offences and cases where it was necessary to cross-examine very young children. Her patience, determination and legal aptitude in dealing with these cases meant that since she moved to an exclusively family law practice she has become renowned for working in particularly difficult cases where the participants are from challenging backgrounds. In particular she is sought after where the client has mental health issues, issues with violence or where the child may be particularly vulnerable. She is also regularly instructed in cases where sexual offences and violence are alleged, including child abuse and other related matters. The fact that her work covers three complex legal disciplines is rare, but she is able to deal with each area of law with ease.
James has wide experience of practice at the Bar. For many years he combined a civil practice with crime and now concentrates on criminal cases. He conducts a wide variety of criminal cases in the Crown Court involving such matters as supplying drugs, serious violence, robbery, and multi handed cases generally for both defence and prosecution.
Janette is a highly experienced practitioner who has always been passionate about family law. Solicitors and clients regularly comment that she has a friendly and personable approach and provides clients with a professional and sympathetic service, while also being tenacious when necessary. Her considerable experience provides valuable reassurance to clients, which is based on realistic advice founded on many years of being able to anticipate judicial determinations.
Jeffrey practises exclusively as a defence advocate in the Crown Court, principally on the South Eastern Circuit. He practises in all areas of criminal law and has a particular expertise in serious assaults, sex offences, drug trafficking, proceeds of crime and fraud cases. Jeffrey was called to the Bar in 1975 and is a member of Inner Temple. He has practised solely as a defence barrister for over 40 years. He currently holds a part-time judicial appointment as a Recorder. Jeffrey is a certified pupil supervisor. His significant cases include representing the Commission for Racial Equality in the Stephen Lawrence Enquiry.
Jemma is an experienced criminal defence barrister who regularly represents defendants charged with serious offences including homicide, death by dangerous driving, historic sexual matters and modern slavery. Jemma is a sought out junior and is frequently lead by Queen's Counsel in high profile and multi handed cases. She also has significant experience, and a notably successful practice, in the Court of Appeal and Divisional Court. Jemma is committed to providing fearless and thorough representation to all her clients. She particularly focuses on cases involving young or otherwise vulnerable defendants, expert evidence and issues of disclosure. Jemma has a reputation for "tenacity" in court which is balanced with an approachable and down to earth manner that puts her lay client at ease.
John Benson QC is a multi-disciplinary silk with expertise and extensive experience in serious crime, civil litigation (mainly high value clinical negligence and personal injury claims), and regulatory work. Described in the Legal 500 as ‘a great all round silk’ he is routinely instructed in criminal cases of the utmost gravity and complexity. His criminal and civil practices complement each other – both frequently requiring familiarity with, and in-depth analysis of, expertise in many different disciplines. He has given lectures in developments in the criminal law and clinical negligence and was recently invited to lecture at the Australian Orthopaedic Annual Conference in Perth. He has appeared as lead counsel in many high profile trials in recent years. John sits as a Recorder of the Crown Court and County Courts, and is ticketed to sit on serious sex offences. John Benson QC and Head of Chambers noted as “extremely approachable and very thorough.” Exceptionally intelligent and highly respected with excellent judgement.
Michael has a busy junior practice, combining housing, employment law and criminal defence. He joined 1MCB in February 2016, having completed pupillage at Garden Court Chambers. Prior to joining the Bar, Michael worked at law centres in South London, Bristol and Surrey. He provided advice and representation in housing law, especially homelessness and possession, as well as employment law and general public law. He has extensive experience of assisting vulnerable clients under legal aid contracts, including county court duty advice. Michael regularly accepts instructions in the County Court for tenants defending possession claims, as well as tenants alleging disrepair, unlawful eviction/harassment or discrimination. Michael has also represented vulnerable clients in urgently securing interim relief from the High Court, as well as in homelessness appeals, including final hearings. Michael also has extensive experience over many years of providing advice and advocacy in relation to employment tribunal claims, having represented in claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, wages and breach of contract. He has been thanked by the Employment Appeal Tribunal EAT for his “thoughtful analysis and clear presentation” (Stroud RFC v Monkman UKEAT/0143/13).
Michael is a dual qualified solicitor and barrister. He was admitted to the roll of solicitors in 2013 and was called to the Bar in 2014 by the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. Michael has a multi-disciplinary practice and he specialises in the following areas: civil actions/inquests; serious crime and road traffic; fraud, regulatory and business crime - having trained and qualified with a top-tier firm listed in the Legal 500 and ranked in UK Chambers and Partners. Michael advises and represents in a full range of matters involving the Police, HM Prison Service and the National Probation Service including tort claims and public law challenges by way of judicial review. Michael accepts instruction to advise and represent in the following areas: Wrongful arrest False imprisonment Assault/battery Malicious prosecution Misfeasance in public office Data protection Michael also represents at inquests drawing upon his experience as a strong jury advocate before the criminal courts. Funding in this area of law is limited and in certain circumstances Michael will accept instruction to represent on a pro bono basis, particularly on behalf of family members in cases involving individuals that have died in a custodial environment or otherwise at the hands of the state.
Michael has a mixed general criminal and civil practice. His criminal practice covers all areas of crime including gang related serious violence, public order disturbances and drug related allegations; fraud, including benefit fraud; domestic violence and sexual offences including rape and serious sexual assault. His civil advice draws upon his 15 years’ experience of working in the commercial sector, before retraining as a barrister in 2003. He has advised and represented clients in defamation suits, applications for injunctions and several breach of contract cases. He also has a rapidly developing family practice including private children law, financial orders and confiscation proceedings. He is a witness and case preparation trainer for the UK’s leading legal training company where he has run numerous courses for professionals involved in the legal system as witnesses and/or investigators. Before qualifying as a barrister Michael spent over 20 years in advertising in London and New York where he was responsible for the negotiating, planning and buying of multi-million pound television advertising campaigns for major companies including Fiat, Twentieth Century Fox Films, Procter and Gamble and Nationwide Building Society. He also undertakes public access work.
Michael’s career at the Bar has involved a number of high profile criminal cases, which include defending in major trials involving murder, kidnap and fraud.Michael has been instructed in hundreds of Judicial Review claims, some of which have been reported, appearing many times in both the High Court and Court of Appeal. Michael has acted for clients in Planning appeals at Inspector level, injunctions and statutory appeals in the High Court. He has appeared in the Tax Tribunal, both First and Upper Tier, with an important case as to whether Colleges should be exempt from VAT being reported.
Mike prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court on a range of criminal matters, including POCA. He prepares thoroughly and has excellent client care. Mike is a CPS Grade 2 prosecutor and has been appointed to the specialist panels for serious crime, fraud and proceeds of crime. He recently appeared in the Court of Appeal, successfully resisting an appeal against conviction on a point of law, namely whether the defendant ‘had with him’ a bladed article within the meaning of s.139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. Having completed pupillage at 4 Breams Buildings, he joined 1MCB as a third six pupil in October 2016 and became a tenant in August 2017. Mike worked previously in conservation and then the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), developing and implementing policy and programmes in Whitehall, Iraq and Afghanistan. His focus in DFID was conflict reduction and security and justice reform in developing countries. After leaving government, Mike managed a large aviation security and police training programme in Somaliland, on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Mike studied Philosophy at the University of Liverpool, before studying for an MA in International Relations and Development Studies at the University of East Anglia and later an MSc in Security Sector Management at the UK Defence Academy / Cranfield University. He undertook the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Bar Professional Training Course at City University, London. He has travelled widely and speaks and reads Spanish and Indonesian moderately well. In appropriate cases, Mike is able to accept instructions directly from members of the public, community organisations and NGOs, through the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme
Neelim is an established practitioner in criminal and public law children cases. She has also acted for families in inquests and deaths in custody. She is a long-standing campaigner for community based legal services and was a founder member of the first neighbourhood barristers’ chambers in the UK. Neelim is actively involved in the work of the International Bar Association and is currently a vice-chair of its Human Rights Law Committee, and an officer of the IBA’s LGBT Committee and the IBA’s Poverty and Social Development Committee. She has previously been a member of the IBA’s Presidential Task Force on Trafficking. Neelim is head of the family law team at 1MCB.
Pamela Rose is known for representing her clients fearlessly and with unwavering dedication and commitment. She has extensive experience in all areas of criminal law, animal welfare and public order law. Pamela’s criminal practice and experience includes all ranges of violent offences, drugs, firearms and sexual offences. Pamela’s practice has included the full spectrum of cases from trials, abuse of process submissions, breach of orders, issues as to costs and of confiscation proceedings, applications to the High Court by way of case stated or Judicial Review and appeals to the Crown Court and Court of Appeal.Pamela believes in making justice accessible for all from representation in the Court of Appeal to undertaking work in the Magistrates’ Court where some allegations preclude jury trial or where a client chooses not to elect trial by jury. Pamela’s extensive and specialist experience in animal welfare and dogs cases ranges from representing protesters against various animal cruelty sports, including fox hunting before it became unlawful, to representing dog owners or their keepers since the introduction of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Her practice in dog cases has resulted in many decisions in the Court of Appeal and High Court. Her instructions have included a case where death was caused by a number of dogs and necessitated cross examination regarding teeth marks to identify which dog caused the injury and her client’s dog was found not to be responsible based upon forensic and evidential facts. Pamela has significant experience in public order law and offences arising out of protests, having represented miners during the 1980s, anti BNP protesters, anti-poll tax cases and anti war protestors.
Parveen is an experienced barrister who believes in representing her clients fearlessly and compassionately. She aims to ensure that her client always feels well supported and effectively represented in court proceedings, always taking the time to make sure that the client understands proceedings. She has had a thriving and broad ranging criminal practice through which she has amassed extensive trial and court experience and has developed a sound sense of strategy, pragmatism and tactics. Parveen has also practised in family law and is further developing her family practice. She also has experience of appearing at inquests. She has provided advocacy training on the Bar Transfer Test and provides in house advocacy training to pupils in chambers. She has been appointed as an External Examiner by the Bar Standards Board. Parveen has provided witness training to counter fraud officers as part of their accreditation. Prior to joining Chambers, she completed an internship at the Office of the State Public Defender in California, working on appeals for those on death row. In England, she represented many clients through the Free Representation Unit.
Philip has prosecuted and defended, but now exclusively defends, in all areas of crime. He also practises in family law, employment law, regulatory work and actions against the police.
Rajesh specialises in Public Law with emphasis on Human Rights, Immigration, Nationality & Refugee Law. He has made successful applications to the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice and European Court of Human Rights and, at the National level, practices at all levels of his specialist area. He is meticulous in his preparation, practical in the advice he gives and bold in his advocacy. He is a well-regarded and experienced barrister who has practised immigration, human rights and public law for over twenty years. He has lectured extensively in the UK and internationally on a wide variety of legal issues, including immigration and asylum law, freedom of expression (Bar of Armenia), enforcement of European court judgments (human rights organisation in Turkey), minority linguistic rights (European Parliament), women’s and children’s rights in areas of conflict (cross-border conference to NGOs working in Kurdish regions). He chaired cross-border conferences on an annual basis from 2009 to 2012 in regions in south-east Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan. He has had several reports published as a trial and human rights observer. He has been a director of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants and the Kurdish Human Rights Project (KHRP) and is now on the panel of the council of experts of the Democratic Progress Institute (DPI). DPI and KHRP are non-governmental organisations engaged in international mediation. Rajesh was formerly deputy head of 1MCB
Ranjeet is a highly regarded barrister who specialises in crime, immigration, asylum and human rights work. She is well respected by her professional and lay clients for consistently delivering positive results through her comprehensive and methodical approach to her cases. She has a professional and approachable manner and is instructed in serious cases concerning a wide range of criminal offences varying from violent, sexual, fraud, drugs and regulatory matters. She has been led by Queen’s Counsel and acted alone in lengthy multi-handed trials. Ranjeet provides representation and advice in all areas of immigration, asylum, nationality and human rights law. She has represented clients at all levels of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber in cases ranging from entry clearance to refugee and criminal deportation appeals.She is also qualified to accept instructions from members of the public directly."Ranjeet is tenacious, meticulous and always prepared. A highly effective advocate who garners the confidence of clients and juries alike with her balanced and sensible approach even in the most complex cases."
Shashi was called to the Bar in 1995 by Lincoln’s Inn and has dedicated his practice to human rights, public and administrative law and civil liberties. He has built a considerable reputation experience in these areas. He has been described as very approachable and thorough in his preparation and attention to detail and, importantly, tactically aware. He has particular interests in immigration and mental health related issues, appearing regularly in the High Court and Court of Appeal, and is committed to publicly funded work. With a predominantly science background, Shashi read law at Queen Mary’s College, before completing the Bar Vocational Course. Shashi is accredited to accept instructions directly from members of the public, through the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme.
As a barrister of considerable experience in criminal and civil as well as commercial law, Shiraz has been speaking on behalf of the vulnerable and outcast for some 20 years. He has particular experience in criminal defence, housing and personal injury (having a medical sciences degree) and has a wealth of experience in cases concerning vulnerable people. He is also founder and director of Be Coherent Ltd, a communications and legal training company which provides law and advocacy, persuasive communications, and media and defamation training for non-lawyers.
Shuyeb is a highly regarded practitioner specialising in the fields of immigration, crime and public law, and ultimately in cases that engage human rights issues and/or have an international or foreign dimension. A Social and Economic History graduate of the LSE, Shuyeb worked at the Department of Trade and Industry before undertaking (on completion of his CPE at the University of Birmingham and his BVC at BPP London) a specialist immigration/public law pupillage at Enfield Chambers, under the guidance of James Gillespie, the co-author of the seminal Immigration Law Handbook, during which he was seconded as a trainer of caseworkers at the IAS. Adept, in particular, in handling cases where there is a crossover/interaction between immigration, criminal and family law, Shuyeb has navigated innumerable successes before the First Tier and Upper Tribunal (AIC), the Administrative Court and both divisions of the Court of Appeal, reflecting his depth of knowledge, phenomenal work rate and ability to take matters in these areas from the bottom to the top with skilful and imaginative written and oral advocacy. Shuyeb was junior counsel, led by the late Ian Macdonald QC, in both the Cambridge College test case, which concerned allegations that foreign students were coming to the UK to attend bogus colleges, leading to a parliamentary inquiry and the introduction of sponsor licence requirements and the ‘points-based system’; and in Jeffers v Labour Party [2011] EWHC 529 (QB), a case challenging the control exercised by the Labour Party over the internal administration of its affiliate BAME – Black and Minority Ethnic – group. Most recently, Shuyeb was Counsel for the appellant in Zulfiqar (‘Foreign criminal’; British citizen) [2020] UKUT 312 (IAC), where the Upper Tribunal gave guidance on the reach of statutory provisions governing the assessment of Article 8 rights raised in response to the proposed deportation of “foreign criminals”. Shuyeb represents all manner of individual and organisations, including local authorities, in their confrontations and negotiations with the UK’s labyrinthian immigration laws. He appears in all tiers of the tribunal, as well as before the appellate courts. Shuyeb is qualified to accept instructions from members of the public directly under the Direct Access Scheme. "Consistently provides timely and highly professional advice, a true pleasure to work with and someone I would highly recommend”