Biography

Claire specialises in immigration, asylum and human rights law. She is frequently instructed in matters before the Immigration and Asylum Chamber as well as the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Claire has also appeared before the Senior Judges' Court of the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus. The Telegraph newspaper described Claire in 2011 as "a high-flying barrister."

Claire's background is in human rights, having previously worked at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.  She also has international legal expertise from her time at the International Criminal Court in the Hague, advising on international legal principles and the human rights of defendants and victims. She has been involved with human rights and other voluntary organisations including Justice, Redress and FRU.

Experience

Prior to practising at the Bar, Claire worked in a solicitors’ firm as part of the defence team on terrorism trials, most notably R v Ibrahim & Ors, involving the first ever prosecution of failed suicide bombers following the attempted terrorist attacks on 21st July 2005. As a result, she has an insight into the work of solicitors and interacts well with lay clients.

Claire previously practised from Argent Chambers, where she also undertook work in crime and extradition. She has particular experience in immigration and asylum work that involves a cross-over with crime.

Reported Cases

R (on the application of Elayathamby) v SSHD [2011] All ER (D) 61 (Aug); [2011] EWHC 2182 (Admin) - Judicial review challenge to the “safe third country return” of a Tamil asylum-seeker to Cyprus under Dublin Regulations II

US and MV (PBS applicants from same family) Malaysia [2010] UKUT 167 (IAC) - Appeal allowed - a valid application is not invalidated by the presence in the same envelope of an invalid application by a member of the same family

RD (IAC-UT) (The Telegraph, 15/5/2011) - Successfully opposed an appeal to the Upper Tribunal by the SSHD in a deportation appeal under Article 8 ECHR, where the Appellant's relationship with his girlfriend and ties to the UK amounted to "private life"

Languages

Greek (fluent); French (intermediate); Italian (basic)