Gherson LLP

Charles Burnett

Charles specialises in asylum and protection claims, appeals to the Immigration Tribunals and public law challenges against decisions by the UK Home Office. Over the years, he has helped countless individuals to obtain protection from harm in some of the most difficult and atypical cases. He has extensive knowledge of UK immigration law, refugee law and international human rights law. He has acted on behalf of clients in a wide number of complex protection cases in the UK and abroad, as well as before international jurisdictions, including the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Charles has particular experience and insight in bringing protection claims based on political opinion; this is an especially complex area of refugee law in which Gherson Solicitors LLP has a unique and unparalleled expertise. Charles fights tirelessly for his clients and he is regularly commended for his thorough understanding of the law, compassion and dedication to his clients and their cases. We consistently receive excellent feedback, from clients and Counsels alike, highlighting the quality of Charles’ work, including his client-handling, strategic decision-making and drafting.

Since joining Gherson Solicitors LLP, Tom has utilised his experience in leading aspects of high-profile international cases as both a defence and prosecution lawyer to advise both individuals and corporations subject to multi-agency domestic and multi-jurisdictional proceedings and regulatory actions. Tom brings extensive experience advising in relation to extradition, mutual legal assistance and INTERPOL, specifically in relation to cross-border proceedings involving allegations of complex financial crime, bribery and corruption, and money laundering. With a thorough understanding of blockchain technology, digital currencies and cryptoassets, Tom also advises both individuals and corporations regarding the financial regulation and compliance of this novel and disruptive area, and in cases that have a cryptoasset angle. Tom regularly writes and comments on these topics. Tom joined Gherson Solicitors LLP from the Serious Fraud Office (“SFO”), where he initially worked as disclosure counsel on LIBOR cases and the Barclays Qatar case. Then, as a prosecution lawyer, Tom led significant aspects of a large-scale fraud investigation and elements of another global investigation. At the SFO, Tom provided legal expertise in relation to interviews, searches, extradition and mutual legal assistance.

Amalia assists with asylum and protection claims, appeals to the Immigration Tribunals, designation challenges (in respect of both immigration sanctions and financial sanctions), UK sanctions compliance advice and sanctions enforcement. Amalia often works closely with teams of professional advisors both in the UK and overseas. She is frequently appointed as case coordinator and point of contact on multifaceted cases, due to her organisational and communication skills and versatile experience. She is a steadfast and dedicated solicitor who works tirelessly to advise and support her clients. Amalia’s previous experience within the inbound immigration team means that she has an in-depth knowledge of all facets of UK immigration. Prior to joining Gherson, Amalia gained property law experience, dealing with aspects of residential and commercial real estate.

Roger established Gherson in 1988, some seven years after first qualifying as a solicitor. His prior experience in commercial law, property, tax and litigation, as well as immigration, gives him a fairly unique perspective as an immigration lawyer. Since then, he has built up a dynamic team of specialists in UK immigration, nationality, EU, asylum and human rights law, as well as extradition and sanctions cases. He is well regarded for resolving complex issues in these fields and has a proven ability to coordinate legal teams to tackle complex applications. Roger’s focus includes private asylum claims and related UK and international Human Rights work, including extradition and national security proceedings, as well as applications in respect of international sanctions to the respective bodies. Roger’s reputation for discretion and tenacity is reflected in the firm’s breadth and volume of litigation work, which includes appeals at immigration tribunals, judicial reviews in the High Court and applications to the European Court of Human Rights as well as the European Court of Justice. He has extensive expertise in advising a wide range of clients, including high-profile international and UK companies and high-net-worth individuals. Respected for his innovative and direct approach, he frequently receives referrals from other law firms. Roger has over 30 years’ experience and is regularly cited as an expert in all the leading guides to immigration lawyers. Three years ago Roger established Discreet Law, which provides a broad range of General Counsel advisory services.

Lisa is a University of Nottingham law graduate and started in immigration in 2015 at a boutique Mayfair firm. She moved to Gherson LLP after completing her training contract and qualifying as a solicitor in January 2021. She has over 7 years of experience in servicing ultra-high-net worth families across the full spectrum of Points-Based System, EU and nationality applications. Lisa specialises in cases involving discretionary elements, such as excessive absences, missed deadlines and exceptional in-country switches. She is also experienced in challenging Home Office delays and incorrect decisions via judicial review. Lisa understands that immigration is a life-changing event and prides herself on providing a highly responsive and efficient service to clients.