Direct access barrister
Lesley Longhurst-Woods
Barrister · Chambers of Ms L. Longhurst-Woods · Called 1992
I have a vast amount of experience of Immigration applications, appeals and Judicial Reviews and a high success rate. I also do administrative reviews. In all aspects of my work I adopt an extremely thorough approach and...
Regions served: Nationwide
About Lesley
I have a vast amount of experience of Immigration applications, appeals and Judicial Reviews and a high success rate. I also do administrative reviews. In all aspects of my work I adopt an extremely thorough approach and go the extra mile leaving no stone unturned. I also ensure that the client is kept informed at every stage of the case's progress AND I am honest about a case's prospects. I specialise in ALL areas of immigration law including:
- Citizenship, Nationality and Right of Abode including Deprivation of British Citizenship cases
- Settlement/ Indefinite Leave to Remain/ Permanent Residency
- EU Settlement Scheme and EEA Law ( EU Law )
- Turkish workers and business persons
- Human Rights Law
- Visits and Temporary Purposes
- Students
- Families, partners and children incl Family reunion
- Refugees, asylum, humanitarian protection, discretionary leave & Statelessness
- Deportation
- Detention and Bail
- Points Based Applications & Administrative Reviews
- Appeals to First Tier and Upper Tier tribunal
- Appeals to the Court of Appeal
- Judicial Reviews
- Administrative Reviews
My approach
I am very organised and adopt a hands-on, proactive approach to my clients' problems. You can expect realistic, cost-sensitive and practical advice. I am extremely thorough and ensure that you are informed and involved throughout the entire process.
I am accessible and easy to communicate with. I am well liked and appreciated by my clients and I employ a less formal approach than some lawyers. I do not blind my clients with science but try to ensure that you have a good grasp of the pros and cons of what is at hand so that you are fully aware of how things can evolve.
Costs: I tend to charge fixed fees which are agreed in advance and ensure that you and I agree my fees at each stage of the case. I aim to make the progress of your case as understandable and as stress-free as possible.
About me
I was called to the Bar in 1992 and began my career in Criminal Defence which provided me with invaluable advocacy experience. However, in around 1996 I started practising in immigration law doing mostly asylum cases from all over the world. Shortly after that immigration law became my main and favourite area of practice and my practice soon expanded into other areas. In 2004 I was accredited by the General Council of the Bar as an Immigration Practitioner.
I have not always been a barrister and my first career was in music so I not only have extensive experience of the world of law but also of life. There is an article about me here:
Notable cases
I have a niche, personable and extremely varied practice including resolving claims to British citizenship, assisting victims of domestic violence, overseas adoptions and entry and stay of non-British children, gay relationships, cases involving human rights, EU cases and deportation proceedings against foreign criminals. I have a wealth of experience in making applications in all areas of immigration law and in conducting appeals and Judicial Reviews. I also do family and civil work which means that I can advise in other related and relevant areas where needed. These are just some examples of the very wide range of cases in which I have acted.
Professional & academic
I am a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association
In 2004 I was accredited by the General Council of the Bar as an immigration practitioner
I am also a performing musician and songwriter.
What clients say
Ms Longhurst-Woods has acted for me for a number of years. She firstly succeeded via a Judicial Review in obtaining me leave to remain as the spouse of my British husband and later she successfully completed my application for indefinite leave to remain. More recently she won my daughter's appeal against the Entry Clearance Officer's refusal of her application to join me permanently in the UK I would highly commend her to anyone needing immigration advice and representation as she is an extremely experienced immigration Barrister who offers a very high level of professional service
Ms L. Mulele Feb 2019
I instructed Ms Lesley Longhurst-Woods to handle my recent appeal against the refusal of leave to remain in unmarried partner category. She advised me thoroughly and was very clear. She was very strong when representing me at the hearing and we succeeded. She is clearly an extremely experienced and high quality immigration practitioner who is hardworking and conscientious. She is an outstanding Counsel and I would highly recommend her services
K.O. EZUGWU
Ms Longhurst-Woods has acted for myself and members of my family for several years and has always succeeded in achieving the goal at hand. She succeeded in obtaining indefinite leave to remain for myself and my young son and most recently, after an uphill struggle due to the changes reaped by only being able to win a visit appeal on human rights grounds, she won my daughter's and grandchild's visit visa appeals at the Upper Tribunal. She is a barrister who is prepared to go the extra mile and who is supportive in the face of adversity. I am happy to recommend her to others who need someone to fight their corner in these difficult times
Mrs Grace Lamaro, East London, Feb 2019
The level of assistance from Lesley was second to none. From the beginning to the end I have felt comfortable and secure in her judgement and I have nothing but praise and recommendation for her professional ability. Lesley won my Judicial Review against all odds and succeeded in persuading the Secretary of State to grant me leave to remain. My heartfelt appreciation. I would definitely recommend her to anyone with a complex case which seems unwinnable but which has justice, reason and fairness on its side.
Miss Joy Opute (Manchester).
Thanks so much for getting me through this incredible journey of getting indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Words cannot express the feeling of not having to fear deportation and separation from my family. Not only did you strongly represent me with my complicated case, but you also showed immense knowledge and strategic approach to every facet of the process.
Milly Grace Lamaro
Ms Longhurst-Woods was brilliant and totally professional in advising me on what evidence was needed and with her in depth representations she succeeded in persuading the ECO to change his decision thereby allowing my young son to join me without the need of appealing.
Lucy W. Chidothe
Areas of practice
Direct Access means you can instruct Lesley directly, without going through a solicitor first. Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
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