Elizabeth Cole
Trainee Solicitor
Contact Information
- Trainee Solicitor
- Public Law
- City of London
- 02031141169
- 07920077034
- @Send Email
Profile / Experience
I am a Trainee Solicitor in the Public Law team at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, working under the supervision of Solicitor Jeremy Bloom and Director Toufique Hossain. I joined Duncan Lewis in September 2021 as a Caseworker and progressed to the role of Trainee Solicitor in April 2024.
I have a particular interest in inquiry and Article 3 investigation work. I played a key role in a challenge to the operation of the Manston House Short-Term Holding Facility (STHF) in late 2022, which led to the facility being emptied, as well as the subsequent judicial review claim to establish an Article 3-compliant inquiry into the use of Manston House as an STHF. I am also currently working on a similar challenge regarding a tragic stabbing attack within asylum accommodation in Glasgow in June 2020; this claim is currently pending a decision on permission from the European Court of Human Rights.
I have considerable experience in age dispute cases, including from a strategic litigation angle. I am also well-versed in accommodation-related matters; I played a significant role in a complex challenge to the implementation of restrictive conditions in hotels during the Coronavirus pandemic, and litigation related to the adequacy of accommodation in Knowsley following the protests in February 2023.
I have also acted in public law matters with wider potential impact. For example, I am currently assisting in a challenge to the failure of the Lord Chancellor to increase hourly rates for immigration and asylum controlled work since 1996.
As a Level 2 accredited Caseworker, I have also assisted with and/or had conduct of a number of asylum and immigration matters, including at the First Tier and Upper Tribunals, Court of Appeal and applications to the Supreme Court and ECtHR.
Previous Experience: Prior to my role at Duncan Lewis, I worked closely with asylum-seekers and refugees, including a voluntary post with Refugee Action in Manchester and an internship with the Family Reunion department of the British Red Cross. I have also worked abroad, including with an organisation in Geneva that challenges human rights abuses in Iraq.
I have a particular interest in inquiry and Article 3 investigation work. I played a key role in a challenge to the operation of the Manston House Short-Term Holding Facility (STHF) in late 2022, which led to the facility being emptied, as well as the subsequent judicial review claim to establish an Article 3-compliant inquiry into the use of Manston House as an STHF. I am also currently working on a similar challenge regarding a tragic stabbing attack within asylum accommodation in Glasgow in June 2020; this claim is currently pending a decision on permission from the European Court of Human Rights.
I have considerable experience in age dispute cases, including from a strategic litigation angle. I am also well-versed in accommodation-related matters; I played a significant role in a complex challenge to the implementation of restrictive conditions in hotels during the Coronavirus pandemic, and litigation related to the adequacy of accommodation in Knowsley following the protests in February 2023.
I have also acted in public law matters with wider potential impact. For example, I am currently assisting in a challenge to the failure of the Lord Chancellor to increase hourly rates for immigration and asylum controlled work since 1996.
As a Level 2 accredited Caseworker, I have also assisted with and/or had conduct of a number of asylum and immigration matters, including at the First Tier and Upper Tribunals, Court of Appeal and applications to the Supreme Court and ECtHR.
Previous Experience: Prior to my role at Duncan Lewis, I worked closely with asylum-seekers and refugees, including a voluntary post with Refugee Action in Manchester and an internship with the Family Reunion department of the British Red Cross. I have also worked abroad, including with an organisation in Geneva that challenges human rights abuses in Iraq.
Education
- 2023-25 - Solicitors' Qualifying Examination - SQE1 (Passed in 1st Quintile); SQE2 (Pending)
- 2021-24 - Graduate Diploma in Law, BPP - Merit
- 2020-21 - MA Human Rights Law, SOAS, University of London - Distinction
- 2016-19 - BA Politics and Modern History, University of Manchester - First Class with Honours
Career
- Trainee Solicitor (April 2024 - Present)
- Caseworker (September 2021 - April 2024)
Testimonials
- "I want to express my sincere gratitude for assigning Elizabeth to handle my case. Her expertise as an advocate and her thorough professionalism are truly commendable. Elizabeth's attentive listening and ease of communication made the process remarkably smooth. I am extremely thankful for the excellent job she did in constructing my case. Please convey my heartfelt appreciation to her. Without a doubt, she stands out as the best lawyer I've encountered in all my legal matters. I value her unwavering support and invaluable advice." - Client (January 2024)
Notable Cases
Court of Appeal
- Paulo Antonio v SSHD [2022] EWCA Civ 809
High Court
- HT, Detention Action and The Public and Commercial Services Union v The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Pre-Action)
- MG, R (On the Application Of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2022] EWHC 1847 (Admin)
Membership & Accreditations
- Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Level 2
Interests
- I am interested in the overlap between politics and law, and am a close follower of current affairs - particularly global politics.
Articles
- In the Press: Legal Aid Fee Reform garners Significant Media Attention (3 December 2024)
- Lord Chancellor to raise rates by 30% for immigration and asylum controlled work after Duncan Lewis challenge (29 November 2024)
- In the Press: Big Issue Highlights Duncan Lewis Public Law Team Amid Legal Aid Developments (17 October 2024)
- In the Press: Lord Chancellor's Commitment to Legal Aid Rate Decision by November Draws Media Attention (2 October 2024)
- Lord Chancellor Commits to November Decision on Legal Aid Rate Increase for Immigration and Asylum in response to claim brought by Duncan Lewis (27 September 2024)
- Press: Duncan Lewis Takes Government to Court over Legal Aid Fees (13 June 2024)
- The Manston holding facility has closed thanks to legal action by Duncan Lewis Solicitors (23 November 2022)