Doughty Street Chambers

Considered ‘leaders in the field of immigration and asylum law’, the barristers at Doughty Street Chambers are well-respected for their wide-ranging expertise in immigration, nationality, and asylum matters. The set routinely acts on behalf of individual claimants and NGOs including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), at all levels of the courts. Laura Dubinsky KC, supported by Agata Patyna and Alice Irving, led the UNHCR team in R (YXY) v SSHD, the second round of Rwanda litigation following the introduction of the Safety of Rwanda Act 2024. At present, Dubinsky, Patyna and Sarah Dobbie are representing 94 asylum seekers in civil claims for damages for false imprisonment following their detention at Manston House. David Lemer is noted for his expertise in national security cases before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission, while Simon Cox is involved in significant test case challenges under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement, including a judicial review concerning the rights of carers of British citizen children in relation to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Very approachable and helpful clerking team.'
'I've only ever had positive experiences with Doughty Street Chambers. Their clerks are always really helpful and well-organised and their barristers are always well informed and hard working.'
'The team have great expertise covering all areas of asylum, immigration and nationality law. They are one of the leading sets in this field. Their clerks are very responsive and proactive.'
'Doughty Street is a leader in the immigration field. Clerks are responsive and helpful.'
'Good knowledge in immigration public law cases.'
'They are leaders in the field of immigration and asylum law, among many others.'

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.

Laura Dubinsky KC

'Laura is one of the most powerful advocates in the country, with a forensic eye for detail and strategic nous like very few in the sector. She is a hands-on leader who is not afraid to get her hands dirty, putting the interests of her clients at the forefront of every case that she brings.'

Joe Middleton KC

‘Joe is an incredibly articulate and calm advocate. Having him as part of a team means clients receive the very best in legal advice and care.’

Adam Straw 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.

Shu Shin Luh

‘Shu Shin is a force of law. Her written submissions are great, as is her advocacy. She makes sure she knows a case inside out and will always have the advantage over her opponent.'

Alasdair Mackenzie

‘A first-class barrister. His written work is impeccable, his advocacy flawless.'

Simon Cox

Graham Denholm

‘Graham is truly exceptional. Solicitors know they are in extremely safe hands whenever he is instructed. He is so generous with his time and always goes above and beyond for his clients.'

David Lemer

‘David has a brilliant understanding of immigration law and its complexities.'

Catherine Meredith

‘Catherine is highly intelligent and has a detailed knowledge of all relevant areas. She has expertise in trafficking cases and is a go-to barrister for her knowledge in this area. She is creative in arguments and her drafting is excellent.'

Antonia Benfield

‘Antonia is thorough, her drafting is excellent and she is an expert in niche areas such as age assessments, trafficking and immigration judicial reviews. She is incredibly bright.'

Sarah Dobbie

Sarah is knowledgeable and shows a strong commitment to the cases that she takes on.’

Phil Haywood

‘Phil is very knowledgeable about immigration law and is pragmatic in his approach to these cases. He also shows a lot of understanding and never forgets the person at the heart of a case.'

Michelle Knorr

‘A very powerful advocate who can take on anyone with ease. Exceptional strategist.'

Rowena Moffatt

‘Rowena is incredible. She is a go-to barrister for immigration matters.’

Agata Patyna

Extremely hard-working, thorough, and dedicated, bringing formidable analysis to any immigration case.'

Camila Zapata Besso

‘Camila is a hugely talented barrister who is quick thinking, strategic and a real fighter. Her advocacy is powerful, concise and persuasive.'

Grace Capel

Grace is absolutely fantastic to work with. She is sensitive and personable with the clients and advocates fiercely for them in Court.'

Zoe Harper

‘Zoe is thoughtful and considered in her approach. She has wider academic interests, especially around discrimination, that she brings to the work and her practice in the Court of Protection is also an asset.'

Asma Nizami

'Asma is tenacious, approachable and a pleasure to work with. Her communication, strategy, drafting and advocacy are consistently of the highest standard.'

Michael Spencer

Mike is very smart, approachable and effective.'

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Immigration (including business immigration)