Public Law and Human Rights

Shalini Patel

Head of Education, Public Law and Human Rights

London

Areas of Expertise:

Shalini Patel is a Solicitor and the Head of the Education & Public Law and Human Rights departments. She is based in our London office.

Professional Biography

Shalini obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Hertfordshire in 2007 and completed her Legal Practice Course (LPC) at BPP Law School in 2011. She qualified as a Solicitor in March 2014.

In her role as the Head of Education & Public Law and Human Rights, Shalini leads her departments, shaping the team’s strategy with a focus on ensuring effective legal support is delivered. She has a strong track record of representing vulnerable individuals against government actions, particularly in cases involving human rights violations. Her notable legal actions include leading significant cases against public authorities, influencing policy changes, and fighting for the rights of those affected by unfair treatment. This experience has equipped her with profound insights into tackling complex legal challenges, especially in cases related to public law and human rights.

Professional Memberships/Accreditations

Shalini holds a Level 2 Supervisory Immigration Accreditation and a Level 2 Immigration Accreditation from The Law Society. Her accreditations under the Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme (IAAS) highlight her expertise and dedication to upholding high standards in managing complex immigration cases.

Case Studies / Notable Cases

Shalini Patel has successfully led numerous high-profile cases across a variety of judicial levels, including the Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber, High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and European Court of Human Rights. Her extensive experience includes leading policy challenges and significant legal actions such as:

Co-leading a group litigation challenge against the false imprisonment of over a hundred individuals detained at Manston House Removal Centre under unsanitary and unlawful conditions.
Challenging the Home Secretary’s policy that resulted in lower support payments for victims of trafficking who are pregnant or have children and have not claimed asylum in the UK. This challenge led to an increase in support for non-asylum-seeking victims to ensure parity with those who had claimed asylum.
Challenged a Home Office policy that automatically applied strict reporting conditions for trafficking victims with criminal records caused by their trafficking situations. The challenge highlighted the policy's failure to consider the victims' vulnerability and compelled circumstances, leading to its amendment to offer more compassionate treatment.
Representation in the Rwanda removal litigation, acting for one of the eight lead claimants, focusing on the legality and human rights implications of deportation policies.
Addressing the unsafe release of vulnerable detainees from immigration detention centres, which breached the Secretary of State for the Home Department's own policies.
Representing a non-governmental organisation in a legal challenge against the opening of Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre in County Durham, highlighting issues related to access to justice for vulnerable women detained in a region lacking adequate legal aid resources.
Challenging the use of an ex-RAF base as an accommodation centre for asylum seekers, a case that is still awaiting judgment.

Through these cases, Shalini has demonstrated a commitment to challenging unjust policies and advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups within the UK and internationally.

Awards and Recognitions

Shalini was a finalist for the Civil Lawyer of the Year at the South Asian Legal Awards in 2023 and won the Lawyer of the Year at the Modern Law Awards in 2024. Additionally, she received the Anti-Slavery Day Award in 2023 and has been acknowledged as a Recommended Lawyer by the Legal 500.

Shalini’s work is centred around human rights, anti-discrimination, and tackling trafficking issues. She is known for her ability to lead complex legal challenges with clear thinking and meticulous attention to detail, even in high-pressure situations. Shalini is passionate about giving a voice to the most vulnerable in our society. Through her work, she aims to bring about change and give recognition to those who often go unheard.

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