Charles Burnett

Experience

Charles Burnett is a specialist in asylum and protection claims, immigration tribunal appeals and public law challenges against UK Home Office decisions. He has extensive experience representing clients in complex protection cases both in the UK and internationally, including appearances before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. He has particular expertise in handling protection claims based on political opinion, an area known for its complexity in refugee law. Charles is recognized for his thorough understanding of immigration, refugee and international human rights law, as well as for his dedication and compassion towards the clients he represents. He is also noted for his strategic decision-making and effective client handling within politically sensitive immigration and asylum cases. Charles is a partner at Gherson Solicitors LLP and is continuously involved in high-profile and challenging cases in the human rights domain.

Specialty

Charles Burnett specializes in human rights law with a particular focus on asylum and international protection claims. He has developed unique expertise in political opinion-based protection claims, which are among the most complex sectors of refugee law. His legal work covers refugee law, UK immigration law, public law challenges and international human rights law. His role involves managing complex, politically sensitive immigration challenges and providing strategic direction on appeals and legal challenges to government decisions. Charles is also known for his proficiency in handling cases with international dimensions, including matters before international jurisdictions.

• Recognition as a Rising Star in Immigration Law: Charles Burnett was recognized as a Rising Star in the Immigration Law field by The Legal 500 United Kingdom 2021 edition, where he was praised for his expertise in complex international protection and human rights cases(https://www.gherson.com/blog/gherson-solicitor-recognised-rising-star-legal-500/).
• Industry Ranking and Testimonials: Legal 500 highlights Charles Burnett as an outstanding partner at Gherson LLP, noting his exceptional intelligence, hard work, client commitment, and leadership in managing teams. He is acknowledged for his calm, intellectual focus and tactical understanding in politically sensitive protection cases (https://www.legal500.com/rankings/ranking/c-london/employment/immigration-human-rights/3693-gherson-llp).
• Leadership Role: Charles Burnett serves as a Practice Head alongside Roger Gherson at Gherson LLP, indicating a key leadership position within the firm’s human rights and immigration practice (https://www.legal500.com/rankings/ranking/c-london/employment/immigration-human-rights/3693-gherson-llp).
• Major Case Successes: He has helped numerous individuals obtain protection from harm in some of the most difficult and atypical cases, both at first instance and on appeal, including representation before international institutions (https://www.gherson.com/team/charles-burnett/).