Gherson LLP

Charles Burnett

Charles is a leading practitioner in the field of complex and politically sensitive cases. His practice encompasses international refugee law, human rights, public and administrative law, and immigration. He has particular expertise in cases involving political persecution. Charles leads most of the firm’s asylum and human rights cases, including a broad range of discretionary immigration claims, appeals, judicial reviews against Government decisions and complex human rights and removals cases. Over the years, he has helped countless individuals to obtain protection from harm in some of the most difficult and atypical cases, both at first instance and on appeal. He has represented clients in a wide number of complex protection cases in the UK and abroad, and before international institutions. With over 10 years’ experience, Charles has developed an unmatched expertise in running factually complicated, multi-jurisdictional cases. He brings extensive and varied experience to bear on each case in which he is instructed, which allows him to adopt an inter-disciplinary approach and to work alongside other practitioners within the firm or externally, as part of a team. Through his extensive experience, Charles has built strong relationships with leading Counsel and country experts at leading universities and think tanks, enabling him to quickly assemble the strongest possible team for his clients.

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 Gherson founded Gherson Solicitors in 1988, which subsequently transitioned into a Limited Liability Partnership on 1 April 2022. With over 40 years in practice, Roger has an unrivalled reputation for advising, assisting and defending individuals requiring international protection in the most complex of circumstances. Recognised as the ‘go-to lawyer’ for individuals with multifaceted legal issues, Roger is one of the most internationally sought-after lawyers for those requiring international protection, which includes the use of asylum, immigration, human rights and extradition laws to protect the person, and using international investment treaties, sanctions challenges and other forms of asset seizure challenges for the protection of property. Such cases may also include deprivation of leave, deprivation of nationality and ‘travel bans’ (excluding sanctioned persons from entering the UK and exiling sanctioned persons who are already living here) as well as national security cases in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) and under the National Security and Investment Act. Roger’s areas of expertise are reflected in the breadth of the firm’s litigation work, which includes international arbitration matters, immigration tribunal cases, judicial reviews in the High Court, as well as cases before SIAC and the European Court of Human Rights.

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.