Practice Profile
Sandra is an experienced and approachable practitioner, specialising in Immigration, Asylum and Public law. Ranked as a Leading Junior by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, she is approachable, knowledgeable and committed to the interests of her clients.
Immigration, Asylum and Human Rights.
Sandra acts at all levels, from the advisory stage upwards, dealing with all aspects of public and private immigration work. She appears regularly in the Tribunal and Court of Appeal, providing careful and professional representation in asylum, deportation and family cases, with a particular focus on cases involving aspects of EU Free Movement law. Sandra is an experienced and popular trainer in this area, providing expert seminars for HJT, the leading provider of training in immigration and human rights law. She is a member of the ILPA European Subcommittee, and trains with ILPA. She is also the lead reviewer for Advocate, the Bar’s leading provider of pro bono work.
Public
Sandra has a busy judicial review practice, advising and appearing on refusals of fresh human rights and asylum claims, unlawful detention, challenges to age assessments and injunctive relief for removals and administrative errors, amongst others.
Direct Access
Sandra is Direct Access qualified, and accepts instructions in all areas of immigration, nationality and administrative law. Easily accessible and clear in her instructions, Sandra provides advice and representation to both individuals and organisations as appropriate.
Vulnerable clients
Sandra is committed to ensuring that vulnerable clients have a fair opportunity to have their voice heard. She is a Liaison Reviewer with Advocate, the Bar’s leading pro bono charity providing legal assistance, and works with UKGLIG, ILPA and various law centre to promote and protect the rights of the most vulnerable in society.
Diversity and Equality in the Profession
Sandra sits on the Middle Temple Equality and Diversity Committee and is actively involved in programs aimed at encouraging access to and retention at the Bar.
Testimonials
Work Undertaken
- Public Law
- Asylum
- Nationality
- Immigration
- Human Rights
- EEA Free Movement
Appointments & Memberships
- Member Middle Temple Diversity and Equality Committee
- Member Middle Temple Access to the Bar Scheme
- ILPA
- ALBA
- Advocate
Publications
The Law and Practice of Expulsion and Exclusion from the United Kingdom (contributing author)
Contributing author to HJT Training ‘Mastering Immigration Law' published regularly by HJT Training.
Contributor to Lexis Nexis practice notes
Seminars
As a former lecturer at the University of Law, Sandra maintains her skills in teaching by delivering regular lectures and seminars on immigration, asylum and EU developments for various organisations and in chambers. Sandra is the top-rated trainer for HJT Training, where her personable style and ability to dissect each area of law, for even the least confident of practitioners, has made her a favourite for both accreditation training and at the annual Judicial Review conference.
Notable Cases
- OA (Nigeria) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2018] EWCA Civ 3042 (26 November 2018) – representing a vulnerable lesbian asylum-seeker, ultimately granted asylum in the United Kingdom. The Court of Appeal overturned a decision of the lower courts, directing that where expert psychiatric evidence has been provided in an asylum claim, it is relevant not simply to the risk relating to the Appellant’s health, but also as potential corroboration of the truth of her account.
- Forrester v The Secretary of State for the Home Department [2018] EWCA Civ 2653 (29 November 2018)– challenging the decision of the UT to overturn a successful appeal against deportation. The Court of Appeal gave clear guidance as to the appropriate factors to balance in such a case.
- JT (Sri Lanka), R (on the application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] EWCA Civ 641 – challenging the removal pending appeal of a deportation order – unusual reported refusal of permission to appeal.
- RT (Zimbabwe) & Ors v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2010] EWCA Civ 1285 – representing a Zimbabwean asylum-seeker fearing return at a time of heightened political uncertainty. The CA held that an asylum seeker cannot be required to lie to protect his or her safety on return.
- EB (Ethiopia) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2007] EWCA Civ 809 – addressing the risks to those deprived of access to the country of former nationality. The CA held that where a Convention risk arises, the arbitrary deprivation of nationality and attached rights to return/enter may be persecutory.
- Patel (British citizen child - deportation) [2020] UKUT 45 (IAC) (29 January 2020) - British citizenship of a child is a relevant factor when assessing whether the 'unduly harsh' requirements of section 117C(5) are met. However, it is not necessarily a weighty factor; all depends on the facts.
- Shehu, R (on the application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (Citizens Directive: no suspensive appeals) (IJR) [2016] UKUT 287 (IAC) - whether the SSHD has a right to remove a person claiming an EEA right of residence pending appeal.
- Waqar, R (on the application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (statutory appeals/paragraph 353) ( IJR) [2015] UKUT 169 (IAC) (25 March 2015) – Sandra represented a person facing deportation, weeks after a change in the law defining ‘human rights claim’ for the purposes of the 2014 Immigration Act.
- MB (Cabinda risk) (CG) [2014] UKUT 434 (IAC) – relating to the risk to Angolans from Cabinda and the ability to relocate internally,
- Shebl (Entrepreneur: proof of contracts) [2014] UKUT 216 (IAC) – whether a contract in immigration law terms has any definition narrower than contract law,
- ZQ (serving soldier) Iraq CG [2009] UKAIT 00048 – the appropriate assessment of risk on return for serving soldiers who face targeting away from their duties,
- Khan, R (on the application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2008] EWHC 1367 (Admin) – the appropriate test for fresh claims where expert evidence is produced,
Languages
Languages spoken: French & Spanish, with a working knowledge of Italian and Portuguese
Personal Life
Sandra is a keen hockey player, umpire, and coaches children at all levels. She is the head coach at Wapping Kidds HC, a local youth club. She is a fan of most sports, and plays netball and badminton regularly.