In The Press
Avoiding Costly Pitfalls: The Importance of Professional Legal Representation (21 February 2025)
Date: 21/02/2025
An article by Duncan Lewis’ public law director James Packer, featured in Free Movement, highlights the risks litigants in person face when navigating complex procedural rules.
The case of Mlundira v Secretary of State for the Home Department serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating how even a successful judicial review can lead to significant adverse financial consequences if procedural missteps occur.
Mr Mlundira, initially represented, later handled costs proceedings himself. A failure to follow strict court rules led to prolonged litigation, rejected applications, and ultimately, an order to pay thousands in costs to the Home Office.
The case underscores the advantage of professional legal representation—ensuring compliance with procedural requirements and avoiding costly errors.
You can read James Packer’s full article on Free Movement Here
For expert legal support in judicial review and costs proceedings, contact Duncan Lewis Solicitors.
About the Solicitor:
James Packer is a Director in the Public Law department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, specialising in judicial review, immigration, civil liberties, and costs litigation. Recognised by Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 for his expertise, he regularly conducts test cases at the highest levels, including the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and European Court of Human Rights. His work spans unlawful detention, enforced removals, access to legal aid, and complex costs disputes. James has written numerous articles for Free Movement, wrote the chapter on costs in Criminal Judicial Review (ed Von Berg), and was assistant editor for the Free Movement Guide Costs in Immigration Cases.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is an award-winning Times Top 250 law firm, which is ranked as Top Tier by both the Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 directories. The company represents clients in more than 25 practice areas across 13 key offices nationwide. This year the company was crowned Law Firm of the Year at the Lexis Nexis awards 2024 and has been noted for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.