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Lisa Giovannetti KC

“Utterly, utterly brilliant…”  Chambers and Partners 2021

A highly experienced and versatile advocate, Lisa has a broad public law practice, with a particular focus on human rights, asylum, immigration and nationality, and cases involving national security issues.  She represents clients before a wide range of courts and tribunals, including the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights, as well as specialist tribunals such as the Investigatory Powers Tribunal and Special Immigration Appeals Commission.  Prior to taking silk, Lisa was on the Attorney-General’s A Panel of counsel and she continues to provide advice and representation to a range of Government Departments and agencies as well as local authorities and other public bodies.  Her private client work ranges from the provision of strategic support to corporations in negotiating business immigration issues to advising and representing families and individuals in judicial review and appeal proceedings.  She is ranked as a leading silk in each of her specialist practice areas by both The Legal 500 and Chambers, whose immigration section names her as a “Star Individual”.   Lisa was a member of the Independent Human Rights Act Review panel and regularly lectures and contributes to publications in her areas of expertise.  

Areas of expertise

Administrative and Public

“A very strong barrister who gets points across effectively – Judges love her…” Chambers and Partners 2022

Lisa has extensive experience of administrative and public law, providing advice and representation across a range of areas.  

Cases of note:

  • Coughlan v Minister for the Cabinet Office [2022] 1 WLR 2389 - Supreme Court considers judicial review challenge to electoral pilot schemes for voter identification
    Judgment
  • R (MG) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2022] WLR(D) 322 - Judicial Review concerning investigation into outbreak of violence in hotel accommodation for asylum seekers
    Judgment
  • R (ota Terra Services) v National Crime Agency [2020] 1 WLR 1149 - Divisional Court considers applicability of closed material procedure in judicial review challenge to search and seizure warrant
    Judgment

Immigration and Business Immigration

“Lisa is probably the best and most experienced barrister at the UK immigration Bar. She is scrupulously fair and is trusted and liked by the judiciary, the Government and everyone who has ever worked with or against her” The Legal 500 2022.

Lisa is widely recognised for her expertise in immigration law.  She has appeared in many of the leading cases in this field and is ranked as a “star individual” by Chambers in its Immigration section.  Much of her more high profile work has been for the Government, but she also regularly advises and represents businesses and private individuals on immigration and related issues. 

Cases of note:

  • DK and RK v Secretary of State for the Home Department  [2022] UKUT 112 (IAC) - Presidential Panel of Upper Tribunal reviews evidence of widespread fraud in English language tests
    Judgment
  • D4 v Secretary of State for the Home Department  [2022] QB 508 - Court of Appeal considers whether “service to file” of decision to deprive a person of British citizenship satisfies the British Nationality Act 1981
    Judgment
  • Hussain v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2022] 4 WLR 4 - Exclusion orders on grounds of corruption: reliance on judgment of foreign court
    Judgment
  • S and AZ v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Secretary of State for Defence  [2022] EWCA Civ 1092 - Court of Appeal considers immigration routes for Afghan nationals at risk
    Judgment
  • Hoque and others v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2020] 4 WLR 154] - Court of Appeal interprets scheme for indefinite leave to remain on grounds of long residence
    Judgment

Civil Liberties and Human Rights

“An outstanding lawyer who really has the trust and respect of the judiciary” The Legal 500 2022

Lisa has extensive experience in this field, having appeared in a number of the leading cases concerning the interplay between immigration, asylum and human rights law, domestically and in Strasbourg, as well as cases concerning civil liberties and human rights in areas as diverse as election law and police powers of search and seizure.  She was a member of the Independent Human Rights Act Review Panel, which reported in 2021, following a detailed programme of consultation and analysis.

Cases of note:

  • Coughlan v Minister for the Cabinet Office [2022] 1 WLR 2389 - Supreme Court considers judicial review challenge to electoral pilot schemes for voter identification.
    Judgment
  • AM (Zimbabwe) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2021] AC 633 - Supreme Court decision on deportation of foreign criminals with serios medical conditions, describing the issue as “one of the most controversial questions which the law of human rights can generate”. 
    Judgment
  • R (ota Terra Services) v National Crime Agency [2020] 1 WLR 1149 - Divisional Court considers applicability of closed material procedure in judicial review challenge to search and seizure warrant
    Judgment
  • R (MK)  v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2020] 4 WLR 37 - High Court considers judicial review challenge, including on discrimination grounds, to the system for determining asylum claims by unaccompanied children
    Judgment