Patrick Lewis’s parents were immigrants from Ireland who came to the UK in the 1950s. His father was a printer and his mother a clerical worker with the civil service. He was born and grew up in Harlow, going on to study Economics and later Law at the LSE. In 1992, he was one of the first to be appointed to work at an organisation called the Refugee Legal Centre which, at that time, was part funded by the UNHCR. This developed and came to be recognised as a centre of excellence in developing the law to protect the rights of asylum seekers. He was awarded a scholarship for outstanding entrants to study for the Bar exams and joined Garden Court Chambers in 1997 which, at that time, had 34 members. It has now grown to be the largest Chambers in London and the second largest in the UK with almost 200 barristers. Patrick specialises in Immigration and Human Rights law and has been instructed in a number of leading cases. He has been acknowledged as a leader at the Bar by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners Legal Directories.
1 Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
London. I feel passionate about the way London has developed into a truly diverse, international city. It is easy to assume that the evolution of London’s liberal character was inevitable, but in fact it has been fought for and achieved against all the odds. Anyone old enough to remember the 70s and 80s will know that this is true! It is so important that we are not complacent about what has been achieved as it could all be lost so very easily.
2 What are your proudest achievements?
Having come from a working-class background the idea of qualifying and working as a Barrister could not be more removed from my reality when growing up in Harlow. I owe everything that I have achieved to my parents who, like so many immigrants, sacrificed so much to ensure that my sister, brother and I could achieve our potential and more. One legal case of which I am particularly proud established that when a tribunal is deciding whether requiring a person to leave the UK is a reasonable, the contribution they have made to the UK should be taken into account.
3 What inspires you
I am very fortunate to work in an area of law where I am inspired by my clients and admire the way in which so many have overcome adversity. I am also inspired by my colleagues at Garden Court Chambers who are invariably leaders in their field whether they work as Criminal, Civil or Family law Barristers. Our motto is ‘Do right! Fear no one!’ and those I work with genuinely work fearlessly for their clients on a daily basis. I can think of no better motto by which to represent clients and indeed by which to live one’s life
4 What has been the biggest obstacle in your career.
The feeling of anger at a system that can seem so illogical and unjust and which seems to have forgotten that it is dealing with human beings. It can be overwhelming. The need to remain calm and provide a clear, logical and articulate response to such irrationality has never been so important.
6 What is the best aspect about your current role?
To face what appears at times to be the overwhelming might of the State against your client, and to go into Court and convince a Judge that what is being done is unlawful and must be overturned, is nothing less than extraordinary. The fact that we live in a Country where our judges are willing to overturn the decisions of the Government, despite the pressure of a media that now considers it can vilify judges, is fundamental to our way of life and must be protected.
7 And the worst?
I have worked in Immigration Law for over 27 years and the attitude towards immigration has, particularly in the last few years, reached a level of hostility that defies logic. It is exhausting to have to battle constantly against a system that will reject applications from individuals who are clearly going to make a valuable contribution to the UK
8 What are your long-term goals?
My practice is extraordinarily diverse. Within the same week I might be representing a convicted terrorist facing deportation, an Oligarch fearing extradition, an international Bank establishing a presence in the UK or someone who has been separated from their partner who has been refused entry unlawfully. My hope is that I may continue my practice in this challenging but fascinating area of law.
9 If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I have no ambition to be Prime Minister, but if this were thrust upon me, I would firstly seek to provide bipartisan leadership where it is so absent right now! Without wishing to be too controversial, my first aim would be to convince the electorate that we need a People’s Vote on Brexit! I would also work to ensure that an environment was established in which businesses were able to prosper and restore proper funding for the NHS, housing, schools and the legal system to ensure that those who have been marginalised are engaged.
10 If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
George Orwell. His books and essays should be made compulsory reading. It would be fascinating to hear his interpretation of the UK and the world in 2019. Alternatively, David Bowie, probably the most influential artist of the 20th Century.
