39 Essex Chambers has ‘real strength in depth’ in immigration, regularly appearing in judicial reviews challenging removal, detention, and immigration rules before the first tier and upper tribunals, and going up to the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and European Court of Justice. The set ‘has been involved in many of the leading cases over the last years’, with Rory Dunlop KC acting for the government in respect of R (AAA and others) v SSHD interim relief and case management hearings concerning the Rwanda proposals before the Administrative Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. Joining the set in November 2022 from 5 Essex Chambers, Alan Payne KC has been representing the government in relation to the challenge to immigration officers to seize mobile phones from small boat arrivals to the UK in R (HM) v Secretary of State for the Home Department. Lisa Giovannetti KC, Charles Cory-Wright KC, and Zane Malik KC are also key members of the chambers – all notable for their government work, and Cory-Wright KC in his capacity as a special advocate in national security-related proceedings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
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.
‘She is an extremely astute, strategically adept and effective lawyer with excellent client care and communication skills. She is also a very highly persuasive advocate who gains the confidence of the court and is able to adapt quickly and effectively to novel or unexpected developments.’
2– ‘Charlie is an outstanding advocate who is clear, engaging and persuasive. He shows real energy and commitment to his work and thinks strategically about the strongest points to make in his clients interests. He is excellent at leading a team.‘
2'Rory has tremendous knowledge of immigration law, and is able to effectively marshal authorities and policies to support a case. His written work is always on time as well as meticulous.'
‘Zane is a superb advocate. He is incredibly clever, has great judgement and supreme confidence. His advocacy style is extremely impressive.‘
2023 Silks
‘Katherine is extremely responsive and well-prepared. She has every detail of a case at her fingertips, and can persuasively and masterfully deploy it with ease.‘
2024 Silks
'Colin is phenomenally hard working, has a colossal intellect, good judgment and is a true team player.'
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.
'He is outstandingly hard-working, very quick and very smart. Nothing is ever too much to ask and he is always calm under pressure.'
'Excellent immigration knowledge. Excellent written advocacy.'
'His advice has always been very on point, clear, well-researched, constructive and helpful. No weaknesses to report.'
4'Emily has a wealth of experience in immigration law. She is razor-sharp and enthusiastically and effortlessly tackles even the most difficult legal issues. Her advice is confident, clear and pragmatic, and clients love her.'
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.
'He is outstandingly hard-working, very quick and very smart. Nothing is ever too much to ask and he is always calm under pressure.'
'Excellent immigration knowledge. Excellent written advocacy.'
'His advice has always been very on point, clear, well-researched, constructive and helpful. No weaknesses to report.'
4'Emily has a wealth of experience in immigration law. She is razor-sharp and enthusiastically and effortlessly tackles even the most difficult legal issues. Her advice is confident, clear and pragmatic, and clients love her.'