Gary Dolan

Background and expertise

Gary is an immigration and public law specialist practising predominantly in immigration, asylum and human rights law. He specialises in judicial review, and has particular expertise in fresh claims, certification, modern slavery and unlawful detention cases. He accepts instructions for publicly and privately funded cases, and has appeared as sole counsel at all levels up to and including the Court of Appeal.

Gary has a proven track record in challenges to decisions on further submissions, and his grounds have frequently persuaded the Home Office to settle with costs. Recent work includes fresh claims from asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Libya, Vietnam, Turkey, Jamaica, India, Iran, and Albania. He is experienced in drafting further submissions and is happy to discuss this with clients. Other recent work includes successful challenges to decisions by the National Referral Mechanism, claims for unlawful detention and interim relief, and to certification of human rights claims under section 94. He is also experienced in challenges to decisions under paragraph 322(5) of the Immigration Rules, refusals of points-based system applications, and under the domestic violence provisions of the Immigration Rules.

Gary is an experienced Tribunal advocate, who regularly deals with asylum, human rights, deportation, and EEA appeals at the First-tier and Upper Tribunals.

In addition to his busy immigration practice, Gary both prosecutes and defends in extradition proceedings in the magistrates and high court.

Gary advises on and represents clients for all licensing matters including taxi, alcohol, premises, SIA and closure orders. Gary has previous experience working as a licensed taxi driver so understands the importance of his work on behalf of his clients and is able to approach matters with knowledge and insight.

Gary holds a distinction from Keble College, Oxford in the postgraduate Bachelor of Civil Law degree and a first class honours degree in law from King’s College London. He won the Jelf medal and was subsequently a visiting lecturer in public law.