Immigration (including business immigration)

39 Essex Chambers

The well-regarded immigration team at 39 Essex Chambers has expertise in broad range of immigration appeals and judicial reviews, and ‘especially those at the cutting edge of immigration policy’. Notable for representing both claimants and the Home Office, the set appears in all courts including the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union, and with members such as Charlie Cory-Wright KC – notable for his activity as a security-cleared special advocate – sought-after in cases before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. Members like Lisa Giovannetti KC are regularly instructed by the government in immigration test cases, and Alan Payne KC recently acted for the Secretary of State in a case involving the obligation to consult and addressed a policy challenge that, as a result, impacted on the payments owed to thousands of trafficking victims. Rory Dunlop KC led the government side in R3 v SSHD, the leading case on the territorial scope of Article 8 ECHR in immigration cases, whilst Katherine Apps KC was instructed by the SSHD in a case concerning the principles that can be used to challenge refusals of citizenship.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Profile: 39essex.com

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Sheraton Doyle and her team are responsive, kind and helpful to instruct the best barrister for the case.'
'The clerks are great. Responsive and will find the right barrister for the case.'
'The clerks are attentive and realistic.'
'The set is excellent at immigration. It does the most complicated cases on both the defendant and claimant side, especially those at the cutting edge of immigration policy.'
'39 Essex is stellar for immigration, acting for and against government in many of the most major cases.'
'A leading set for government-instructed work in the immigration area.'

Lawyers

Leading silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1

Lisa Giovannetti KC

‘A fabulous advocate. Trustworthy, personable and highly persuasive on even the most impossible legal arguments. A formidable opponent and a towering member of the Bar.’

2

Charlie Cory-Wright KC

Charlie is a brilliant advocate. He is a delight to listen to, even when he is demolishing your case. He is one of the most effective barristers in this field.’

2

Rory Dunlop KC

Rory’s knowledge of immigration law is encyclopedic. His mastery of human rights law in particular is unequalled. He has an attractive style of advocacy, and it is easy to see the judges listen to him with particular attention.‘

2

Zane Malik KC

Zane is a calm, collected and measured barrister. He is an excellent orator. He is also blessed with an almost eidetic memory on immigration statutes, case law and policy documents.'

2

Alan Payne KC

2023 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1

Katherine Apps KC

Katherine is extremely intelligent and very calm. She applies herself very fully to her cases, and has the respect of courts to a very senior level. She is an excellent judge of cases and of lines to pursue in advocacy.'

2024 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1

Colin Thomann KC

Leading juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.