Philippe Bonavero

Philippe is the head of the immigration and asylum team at 4 King’s Bench Walk. He provides advice and representation to claimants across the full range of immigration-related matters, from the First-Tier Tribunal to the Court of Appeal. He has particular expertise in representing vulnerable appellants and is often instructed to represent unaccompanied minors and victims of trafficking. He has represented politicians, professional sportsmen, former diplomats and high-profile political activists.

Philippe’s wide-ranging judicial review practice focuses primarily on fresh claims, claims certified as “clearly unfounded” and on unlawful detention.

Philippe is committed to pro bono work. He is regularly instructed by Bail for Immigration Detainees to represent long-term detainees in bail hearings. He is part of the Asylum Support Appeals Project’s volunteer scheme, through which he represents appellants appearing in the Asylum Support Tribunal and provides advice on strategic litigation.

Outside of the courtroom, Philippe has recently acted as legal consultant for the BBC documentary series Refugee Diaries.

Education & Qualifications:

2004 – 2005    Inns of court school of law, City University

Bar Vocational Course: Very Competent

2001 – 2004     School of oriental and african studies, University of London

Law LLB: Upper Second